chronic airway obstruction, a type of pulmonary disorder, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, in which the upper or lower airway is chronically obstructed. The patient, when at rest, breathes at a normal rate and may have prolongation of the expiratory phase with pursed-lip breathing. The patient may be barrel-chested and have large supraclavicular fossae. During inspiration, the intercostal spaces retract, and accessory muscles are used.
