Which condition is characterized by an irreversible decrease in the ability to force air out of the lungs?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by an irreversible decrease in the ability to force air out of the lungs. This condition includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both of which lead to airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms. The damage to the lung tissue and airways in COPD makes it difficult for patients to exhale forcefully, resulting in an obstruction that is not fully reversible, unlike conditions such as asthma, where airflow obstruction can often be resolved with treatment.

In COPD, the airflow limitation is progressive, meaning that it typically worsens over time, leading to a decline in lung function that patients are unable to fully recover from, which distinctly sets it apart from other respiratory conditions.