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| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. It
is the forth leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality in the United States and is projected to rank fifth in 2020
according to a study published by the World Bank/ World Health Organization.
According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), COPD is a disease state characterized
by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually both progressive and associated
with abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs.
The characteristic symptoms of COPD are cough, sputum production and dyspnoea upon exertion.
COPD can coexist with asthma, the other major chronic obstructive airway disease characterized by an underlying airway
inflammation. However, the inflammation characteristic of COPD is distinct from that of asthma.
Many experts believe that COPD is both under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages. This is
important, because COPD is a major health problem worldwide, affecting the breathing and lifestyle of millions
of people, and it is increasing.
There are a number of internet websites that can provide further information about COPD for both healthcare
professionals, sufferers and their relatives.
Information, news, updates, diagnosis help, articles and a discussion forum for healthcare professionals interested in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease is provided by www.COPDprofessional.org
Global information about COPD, diagnosis and treatment developed by the Global Initiative of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (Gold) can be foundet at www.goldcopd.com
Information, a newsletter, and lifestyle tips for people with COPD as well as for healthcare professionals can
be found at www.thebreathingspace.com. |
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| Definition of the most important technical terms. |
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| Further information for healthcare professionals and patients in the World Wide Web. |
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