a disease of adults, especially those over the age of 45 with a history of smoking or inhalation of airborne pollution. The disease has features of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is diagnosed when the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) is less than 60% of the predicted value for the patient's age and height and the patient does not respond to steroid drugs or bronchodilators. In comparison to asthma, there is less response to inhaled corticosteroids, which may only be indicated for patients with frequent exacerbations.
Medical dictionary. 2011.