ABSTRACT
The essential feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) is airflow limitation. The location of the causes of airflow limitation is in three major areas: large airways, small airways, and alveoli. To proper apply pharmacotherapy in COPD, it is vital to understand the pathophysiology and mechanics of the different sites that cause airflow limitation. This chapter is a concise review of the mechanics of airflow limitation at the level of the large airways, small airways, and alveoli, and how to evaluate the airflow limitation according to the site that it is causing it.
