Changes

[[Image:COPD scanning micrograph.jpg|right|thumb|100px|<small><center>COPD scanning electron micrograph (Image sourced from Bristol Biomed Image Archive with permission)</center></small>]]

[[Image:COPD scanning micrograph.jpg|right|thumb|100px|<small><center>COPD scanning electron micrograph (Image sourced from Bristol Biomed Image Archive with permission)</center></small>]]

The lungs are usually found to be hyperinflated on post-mortem examination as a result of gas trapping by peripheral airway obstruction.  

The post-mortem findings in RAO are variable. Lungs can appear grossly normal, or may hyperinflated a result of gas trapping<SUP>book</sup>. They may also deflate slowly. Exudate is commonly found in the airways, and the weight of the right ventricle in comparison to the left ventricle may be increased.  

The pathology associated with recurrent airway obstruction is primarily bronchiolitis, although changes of larger airway are also seen^Kaup. Neutrophils accumulate in the lumen of bronchioles, which are plugged by mucus. other inflammatory cells are also seen in the connective tissue surrounding the bronchioles. These include lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. The bronchiolar epithelium undergoes mucus metaplasia, and the airway smooth muscle is seen to be thickened. Alveoli are filled with mucus overspilling from the airways.

The histopathology associated with recurrent airway obstruction is primarily bronchiolitis, although changes of larger airway are also seen^Kaup. Neutrophils accumulate in the lumen of bronchioles, which are plugged by mucus. Other inflammatory cells are also seen in the connective tissue surrounding the bronchioles. These include lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. The bronchiolar epithelium undergoes mucus metaplasia, and the airway smooth muscle is seen to be thickened. Alveoli are filled with mucus overspilling from the airways.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==