![]() ![]() 5 Although mainly categorized by airflow limitation, in many patients the disease seems to be associated with several extra-pulmonary manifestations. 3 Frequent exacerbations are associated with more rapid decline of lung function 4 and are one of the greatest costs to the health economy, partly through hospital admissions, and partly through loss of work days. Acute exacerbations are defined by increased cough, dyspnea, or increased sputum purulence from baseline, 2 and punctuate the disease process with a deleterious impact on patients’ daily activities and well-being. In affected individuals lung function deteriorates progressively over several years, with increasing symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and dyspnoea. 1 COPD is associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response which is responsible for the airway abnormalities and architectural distortion of the lung parenchyma. 1ĬOPD is characterized by airflow limitation that is progressive and not fully reversible the latest severity categorization also includes exacerbation frequency and symptom burden as key features. 1 Globally the burden of disease is projected to increase in the coming decades due to continued exposure to COPD risk factors and an ageing population. It is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and predicted to be the third by 2020. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multi-component disease which is both preventable and treatable.
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