Weight Loss in patients with COPD
Weight loss is associated with decreased lung function, as the body works harder and harder to breathe adequately. It is also indicative of the emphasis on COPD as a systemic disease - and not a disease solely associated with lung function. Weight loss in patients with COPD is due to increased metabolism and manifests itself as a loss of skeletal muscle and a wasting of limb muscle. Skeletal muscle weakness is common in patients with COPD, and exacerbates dyspnea. Weight loss alone is not a predictive factor, however, and may indicate carcinoma.
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