The full form of CAL in medical term is Chronic Airflow Limitation.
It is a common, curable condition characterized by lingering respiratory issues and airflow restrictions brought on by anomalies in the airways and alveoli. It is typically brought on by prolonged exposure to toxic and harmful particles or gases.
A prolonged steady state for emptying the lung, brought on by increased resistance of the smaller conducting airways plus enhanced lung compliance as a consequence of emphysematous deterioration, results in the airflow restriction that is the hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The host’s chronic innate and adaptive inflammatory, immunological response to long-term exposure to inhaled harmful gases and particles is linked to these lesions.
The disruption of the epithelial barrier, interference with the mucociliary clearance system, which causes an accumulation of inflammatory mucous secretions in the small airway lumen, inflammatory cell infiltration of the airway walls, as well as connective tissue deposition within the airway wall are all processes that can lead to obstruction in the tiny conducting airways. The airway walls are thickened, the lumen calibre is decreased, and this remodelling and repair restrict the regular rise in calibre brought on by lung expansion.
Chronic airflow limitation (CAL) is now mostly treated with domiciliary oxygen therapy, which has been shown to increase survival and decrease hospitalization. Less is known about how long-term home oxygen therapy affects the quality of life in terms of health.