Although asthma is a chronic obstructive condition, it is not considered as a part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as this term refers specifically to combinations of disease that are irreversible such as bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Unlike these diseases, the airway obstruction in asthma is usually reversible; however, if left untreated, the chronic inflammation from asthma can lead the lungs to become irreversibly obstructed due to airway remodeling. In contrast to emphysema, asthma affects the bronchi, not the alveoli. COUNT 5
QSN1 What kind of condition is asthma? ANS1 a chronic obstructive condition QSN2 What are examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? ANS2 bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema QSN3 Is the airway obstuction reversable in asthma? ANS3 asthma is usually reversible QSN4 What part of the airway does emphysema affect? ANS4 alveoli QSN5 What part of the airway does asthma affect? ANS5 the bronchi