Age

Any age

Sex

ALL

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

clinical features of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
spirometry compatible with the GOLD criteria (Forced expiratory volume 1/ Forced vital capacity \<70%) post bronchodilator.

Patients with bronchial asthma
Asthma -Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome
Atopic patients
Pneumothorax
Congestive heart failure
Cancer of any kind
A history of major surgery in the preceding 4 weeks.
Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation or presenting with azotaemia (serum creatinine \>1.5 mg/dl).

Eosinophilic Cationic Protein as a Biomarker in Diagnosis of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease