Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

An hereditary disorder of the blood protein Alpha-1 characterised by a reduction of serum levels of Alpha-1, emphysema, and occasionally liver disease

Anticholinergic

An agent that blocks the parasympathetic nerves - those involved in slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal and gland activity and relaxing sphincter muscles

Bronchodilator

A medication given to dilate the airways to allow the unrestricted passage of air

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a slowly progressive airway disease that causes significant deterioration of lung function and consequently, disability and death. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema

CORD

Chronic Obstructice Respiratory Disease, Another name for COPD

Dyspnoea

Shortness of breath

GOLD

Global Initiative For Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

Histo-pathological

Related to the microscopic structure of diseased tissues

Hypoxaemic

Deficient amount of oxygen delivered to body tissues

M₃-receptor

M₃ receptors receive signals from the brain and play a pivotal role in regulating the smooth muscle contraction of the lung

SPIRIVA^®

Long-acting M₃ blocker. It is a bronchodilator drug developed specifically for COPD by Boehringer Ingelheim, registered trademark of tiotropium bromide

Sputum

Matter ejected from the lungs, bronchi and trachea, through the mouth

tiotropium

Tiotropium bromide monohydrate is the active ingredient of SPIRIVA^® - a once-daily inhaled COPD treatment that works through prolonged M₃-receptor blockade

WHO

World Health Organization