Corporate Magazine 2012 - Boehringer Ingelheim

Respiratory diseasesChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) andasthma are among the most prevalent chronic diseasesaffecting the lungs, and cause significant morbidity andpremature deaths worldwide.COPDCOPD is a chronic disease of the lungs in which the airwaysbecome narrowed. This leads to a limitation of airflow,causing shortness of breath and other respiratorysymptoms. The airflow limitation is only partially reversibleand usually worsens gradually over time. Destructionof lung tissue (mainly affecting the alveoli andthus gas exchange) and excessive mucus in the airwaysinducing chronic cough contribute to the burden of disease.These manifestations of COPD are designated asemphysema or chronic bronchitis.AsthmaAsthma is a chronic disease involving airway inflammationin response to exposure to asthma triggers such asallergens. Airway inflammation causes the narrowing ofairways and, in some patients, an increase in mucus,and chronic dry cough may be an asthma symptom.Quite variable breathing difficulties may occur. In theearly stages of the disease, this airflow limitation is fullyreversible and patients can be free of symptoms betweenattacks.COPD is caused by noxious stimuli, such as cigarettesmoke or air pollution. The course of COPD is characterisedby an accelerated loss of lung function comparedto normal ageing and occasional sudden worsening ofsymptoms and functions called acute exacerbations.70Boehringer Ingelheim annual report 2012