Approach to: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the world, affecting developing and developed countries alike. Recent advancements in medical and interventional therapies have led to decreasing overall mortality rates in the last decade. Despite these improvements...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Alexander Ni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: McGill University 2020-10-01
Series:McGill Journal of Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://mjm.mcgill.ca/article/view/197
Description
Summary:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the world, affecting developing and developed countries alike. Recent advancements in medical and interventional therapies have led to decreasing overall mortality rates in the last decade. Despite these improvements, COPD continues to cause significant morbidity and lost productivity. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of COPD and the work-up of a patient with suspected COPD, emphasizing pulmonary function testing, an approach to treatment, and the management of COPD exacerbations.
ISSN:1715-8125