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PHAC Data Blog: COPD

COPD is a progressive condition that causes shortness of breath and cough. It is caused by long-term exposure to lung irritations which include tobacco smoke. The PHAC Data Blog is a fantastic resource for finding information in a short time and the most up-to date data on a wide range of public health subjects. This month, we are focusing on COPD.

Prevalence

COPD is a debilitating chronic condition that is caused by exposure to lung-irritants such as tobacco smoke. Shortness of breath, sputum and coughing are signs. The majority of cases affect older adults. The canadian pacific reactive airway disease is not curable but treatment options can slow down its progression, alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life.

COPD is most common in people aged 65 and over and its incidence increases with the advancing years. COPD is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Canada. It also has a significant impact on morbidity, mortality and the use of health care. In BC, the burden of COPD is significant and workers is growing as the population age.

Current data sources largely underestimate COPD prevalence. This is likely due to differences in survey methods and the different characteristics of the population. Although, despite the divergence in prevalence estimates, it is clear that the canadian pacific reactive airway disease is prevalent.

In addition to assessing the symptoms, a lung function test (Spirometry) can be used to identify and monitor COPD in primary healthcare settings. Spirometry could be used more frequently in the general population to diagnose and treat COPD. This would reduce the expense of health care that is associated with COPD.

Signs and workers symptoms

COPD is an ongoing lung canadian pacific reactive airway disease that causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and sputum. It is usually caused by long-term exposure of irritating gasses or particles, most commonly smoking cigarettes. It can be difficult to diagnose and can be misdiagnosed as asthma or any other illnesses that have similar symptoms. It is a multifaceted disease and there are four types of phenotypes or clinical manifestations: non-acute with emphysema or chronic bronchitis. COPD is a form of asthma. chronic with emphysema as well as canadian pacific acute lymphocytic leukemia bronchitis and COPD-mixed, which includes both bronchitis as well as emphysema.

A recent study by Gershon and co-workers showed that a significant portion of patients suffering from COPD are underdiagnosed (10). Researchers found that participants who were not diagnosed had higher rates of emergency department and hospital visits than people with COPD. They were also more likely to smoke. It is believed that a lack of use of spirometry as well as the mistaken diagnosis of nonspecific respiratory symptoms like dyspnea contribute to underdiagnosis of COPD (10). Patients with suspected COPD should have post-bronchodilator spirometry, and the use and administration of anticholinergic medications can aid in improving lung function. This will result in better care for patients and lower costs for healthcare systems.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of COPD can decrease the frequency of exacerbations and slow down the progression of symptoms. The symptoms of COPD are easily identified through physical examination and history as well as a simple breathing test, known as spirometry. In countries with high incomes spirometry is routinely used as part of the assessment of respiratory conditions that are chronic however in low and middle-income nations, it's usually not available. It is crucial to follow-up in order to evaluate how well the inhaler technique is being used, and the effectiveness of the treatment program.