Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Asthma & COPD Of these potential differential diagnoses, asthma is the most difficult to determine. As we have learned, COPD and asthma are 2 distinct clinical conditions, yet there are significant overlaps in signs and symptoms between the 2 diseases.
COPD Stands for "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease"; COPD is an unfortunate disease since it is one of the main cause of death all around the world which can also be described with chronic bronchitis, emphysema or a combination of these diseases...
COPD Symptoms Symptom of COPD. Chronic Cough, Sputum Production and Dyspnea are the most common symptom in patients who see a health care provider.
Dyspnea Chronic progressive dyspnea is characteristic of patients with COPD, while episodic dyspnea is more common in asthmatics. Unfortunately, there can be a significant overlap between these 2 types of dyspnea, creating confusion in establishing an accurate diagnosis.
COPD Differential Diagnosis Diagnosis Suggestive Features for Differential Diagnosis of COPD
Is COPD Preventable? -Yes in most cases of COPD are preventable. The single most common cause is smoking, which accounts for 80% to 90% of the risk of developing the disease...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Are you a smoker? Do not underestimate it! You may have a COPD! Refer to your doctor before its too late.

COPD Overview Don't mix COPD with Asthma! This is a life-threatening disease; be aware of its differences and available treatment alternatives!
COPD Symptoms Symptom of COPD. Chronic Cough, Sputum Production and Dyspnea are the most common symptom in patients who see a health care provider.
COPD Diagnosis Key Indicators for Considering a Diagnosis of COPD
COPD Phases The following table shows the most common and revealing symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe COPD.
COPD Exacerbations People with COPD often experience exacerbations. The term "exacerbation" refers to the aggravation of the symptoms or an increase in the severity of the disease.
COPD Common Comorbidities Comorbid conditions are common in people with COPD, and can include ischemic heart disease, heart failure, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and musculoskeletal problems.
COPD Causes - Risk Factors Causes and Risk Factors of COPD.
Health-Related Quality of Life The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps, published by the World Health Organization, defines "impairment" as:

Dyspnea Chronic progressive dyspnea is characteristic of patients with COPD, while episodic dyspnea is more common in asthmatics. Unfortunately, there can be a significant overlap between these 2 types of dyspnea, creating confusion in establishing an accurate diagnosis.
COPD Differential Diagnosis Diagnosis Suggestive Features for Differential Diagnosis of COPD

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