Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term poor airflow.
Spirometry should be performed to establish the
diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) in any patient who has a history of chronic cough,
sputum production, difficulty breathing, or exposure to risk factors, suggested the recommendations of the Global Initiative for Chronic
Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) for COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD includes respiratory tract disorders that cause obstruction to airflow. These are chronic bronchitis, emphysema and small airway disease.
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‘Spirometry should be performed to establish the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), revealed a new study.’
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A study conducted at the Corpus Christi Medical Center in South Texas assessed the accuracy of diagnoses and utilization of spirometry in multiple primary care clinics.
65 patient records were reviewed and only 29% of the
patients had spirometry testing or had results available. Surprisingly,
31.6% of the patients diagnosed with COPD were misclassified
because the spirometric measurements did not confirm the disease.
![Rehabilitation can Reverse Frailty in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]( "Rehabilitation can Reverse Frailty in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease")
One in four patients with COPD referred for exercise rehabilitation are frail, but they can respond favorably to rehabilitation and their frailty can be reversed.
"There is a strong need for education and training on multiple levels related to the diagnosis of COPD, one of the most common conditions treated by primary care clinicians. GOLD guidelines provide clear standards on which patients to evaluate with spirometry and how to perform and interpret the tests. Applying the updated guidelines in primary care will greatly improve the rate and accuracy of diagnosis, the first step toward proper treatment." says Dr. Stephen Eikermann, lead researcher.
The study abstract is available online in the journal CHEST.
Source: Eurekalert
Rehabilitation can Reverse Frailty in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
One in four patients with COPD referred for exercise rehabilitation are frail, but they can respond favorably to rehabilitation and their frailty can be reversed.
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"There is a strong need for education and training on multiple levels related to the diagnosis of COPD, one of the most common conditions treated by primary care clinicians. GOLD guidelines provide clear standards on which patients to evaluate with spirometry and how to perform and interpret the tests. Applying the updated guidelines in primary care will greatly improve the rate and accuracy of diagnosis, the first step toward proper treatment." says Dr. Stephen Eikermann, lead researcher.
The study abstract is available online in the journal CHEST.
Source: Eurekalert
Care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Could More Be Done?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. But, patients might not be receiving adequate treatment, suggested a study.
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