COPD
SUMMARY
1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation which is progressive.
2. Features: dyspnea, cough, and sputum production with evidence of irreversible airflow obstruction (FEV/FVC < 0.70).
3. COPD results from chronic exposure to an inflammatory stimulus; e.g. cigarette smoke, pollution, dust.
4. Symptoms of exacerbations: increased dyspnoea & sputum production.
Reference(s)
Wilkinson, I. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].