Skip to main content

Table 4 Main structural changes in airway remodelling and respective functional effects in asthma and COPD

From: The role of the bronchial microvasculature in the airway remodelling in asthma and COPD

Structural changes

Functional effects

Asthma

COPD

Vascular remodelling with inner airway wall thickening

Decreased baseline airway calibre and amplification of airway smooth muscle shortening

+++

+

Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle

Increased smooth muscle strength and airway hyperresponsiveness

+++

+

Connective tissue deposition

Increased airway smooth muscle radial constraint

+++

+

Thickening and fibrosis of all layers

Decreased airway distensibility and reduced effectiveness of bronchodilators

++

+

Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of mucus gland

Decreased lumen calibre and amplification of airway smooth muscle shortening

+

+++

Loss of alveolar attachments

Predisposition to expiratory closure and collapse

-

+++