[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A chronic inflammatory disease].

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease caused by a chronic inflammatory response induced by the inhalation of cigarette smoke or toxic particles/gases in the airways. However, we actually know that COPD is a disease that does not only induce inflammation in lung parenchyma and bronchi, but also provokes systemic inflammation which plays a role in multiple comorbidities. Thereby, treatment of COPD should not only focus on the bronchi to relieve symptoms, improve respiratory function and reduce the rate of exacerbations, but must also be extended to the systemic effects of the disease.