Article 9897905420Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease - UpToDate #respiratory #uptodate
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-definition-clinical-manifestations-diagnosis-and-staging?source=search_result&search=gold+copd&selectedTitle=1~150
INTRODUCTION — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation [1,2]. It affects more than 5 percent of the population and is associated with high morbidity and mortality [3]. It is the third-ranked cause of death in the United States, killing more than 120,000 individuals each year [4]. As a consequence of its high prevalence and chronicity, COPD causes high resource utilization with frequent clinician office visits, frequent hospitalizations due to acute exacerbations, and the need for chronic therapy (eg, supplemental oxygen therapy, medication) [1]
.
Establishing a correct diagnosis of COPD is important because appropriate management can decrease symptoms (especially dyspnea), reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improve health status, i