COPD pathophysiology and diagnosis rests on characteristic changes in lung volumes, transfer factor, and airway dynamics: increased residual volume from air trapping, reduced transfer factor reflecting alveolar surface loss in emphysema, and dynamic airways collapse during expiration due to loss of alveolar splinting support. Diagnostic workup integrates obstructive spirometry, imaging (chest X-ray and CT) to identify hyperinflation, bullae, and emphysema distribution patterns, and selective use of blood tests, echocardiography, and ECG to exclude differential diagnoses and detect complications such as cor pulmonale. This falls within respiratory medicine/pulmonology, distinguishing COPD from differentials including congestive cardiac failure, chronic pulmonary embolism, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis based on distinct physiologic and radiologic signatures.
COPD pathophysiology and diagnosis rests on characteristic changes in lung volumes, transfer factor, and airway dynamics: increased residual volume from air trapping, reduced transfer factor reflecti…