Evaluation of airway inflammation and chronic hypoxaemia in smokers and nonsmokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ABSTRACT

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] is characterized by progressive development of airways limitation, air hunger and associated with some degree of hypoxemia, The study was undertaken to assess both airway inflammation and chronic hypoxemia in smokers [Sm] and nonsmokers [NSm] with COPD during exacerbation compared with those with stable COPD, healthy smokers and nonsmokers