· Reversable chronic obstructive lung disease
· Characterised by:
o Acute exacerbations
o Intermittent airway obstruction
o Chronic inflammation
o Hyperreactivity of airway to stimuli
· Symptoms
o Wheeze
o Cough
o Shortness of breath
o Chest tightness
o Severity varies over time (reversable)
· Complex disorder involving:
o Biochemical
o Autonomic
o Immunologic
o Infections
o Endocrine
o Psychological
· Extrinsic = allergic
Intrinsic = non-allergic
