Abstract
This paper describes the incidence of chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD), the risk factors, staging, investigations and management of COPD. The differential diagnosis for COPD is also presented as COPD can be confused with other clinical conditions. This paper is presented in practical terms for the clinician working in a primary health care context.
Highlights
Chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterised by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible and is associated with abnormal inflammatory responses of the lung to noxious particles or gases
The global prevalence of COPD is between 7–19%, with variations in different regions of the world, and a predominance in men and people aged over 40 years.[1]
Mintz et al have determined that 21% of patients aged 30 years or more with more than 10 years of smoking history seen in primary care settings are likely to have COPD.[2]
Summary
Chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterised by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible and is associated with abnormal inflammatory responses of the lung to noxious particles or gases. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 reported a prevalence estimate of 8.9%3 and it is expected that it will be the 6th cause of death in the world with an increase in economic and social burden.[4]
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