Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Reversing airflow obstruction from chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes a group of disorders that cause obstruction to expiratory airflow. COPD should be suspected in a patient who has cough, sputum production, wheezing, and/or inappropriate dyspnea on exertion in the setting of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke. With smoking cessation, avoidance of occupational and other bronchial irritants, and use of bronchodilators, antibiotics, and long-term oxygen when appropriate, the patient can minimize limitations on activity and complications.
Pulmonary Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295.
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Kutty
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Varkey
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology