Which condition may progress to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

The condition that may progress to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to coughing, mucus production, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, especially if the acute bronchitis is recurrent or not properly treated, it can lead to longer-term airway changes that contribute to the development of COPD.

COPD is a progressive disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. When the inflammation associated with acute bronchitis becomes chronic, it can lead to the symptoms and physiological changes consistent with COPD. This can be exacerbated by risk factors such as smoking and prolonged exposure to irritants.

Chronic obstruction due to inflammation, excessive mucus production, and airway narrowing, common in both acute and chronic bronchitis, illustrates the potential progression from acute bronchitis to a chronic condition like COPD.