Epidemiology of Specific Chronic Diseases: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Description
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), refers to a group of disease that causes impairment of lung function. It includes, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and in some cases asthma. COPD is characterized by airflow limitation and decline inlung function that is not fully reversible.
Common Clinical Features
- Chronic cough productive of sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Wheeze
- Cyanosis
- Hyperinflation
- Recurrent chest infections
Complications
Respiratory failure and death. It is estimated that 50% of patients with severe COPD die within 5 years.
Risk Factors
- Smoking: in > 90% of cases smoking is a major cause.
- Age: mainly affects individuals aged > 45 years.
- Heavy exposure to occupational dusts and chemicals.
- Indoor/outdoor air pollution.
- Genes: It is believed that genetic factors may increase a persons risk of developing COPD. The genetic risk factors that is best documented is a rare hereditary deficiency of 1-antitrypsin1.
- Low socio-economic status. Though this may reflect the prevalence of various factors including the prevalence of smoking or exposure to air-pollution.
Epidemiology
- Worldwide COPD is a leading cause of death, illness and disability.
- COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
- Results from the 2002 Global Burden of Disease Study estimate that COPD caused an estimated 2,75 million deaths worldwide.
Treatment
Bronchodilators to relieve symptoms.
Steroids if moderate to severe COPD and positive response to steroid reversibility test.
Antibiotics to treat chest infections.
Domicilary oxygen.
Prevention
Cessation of smoking.
Reduce environmental and occupational exposures.
References
© CM Kirwan 2006