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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Difference between revisions

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'''Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease''' (COPD) is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities. It’s common, preventable, and treatable. It is defined as a post-bronchodilator [[FEV1/FVC ratio]] of < 0,70.
<section begin="radiology" />'''Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease''' (COPD) is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities. It’s common, preventable, and treatable. It is defined as a post-bronchodilator [[FEV1/FVC ratio]] of < 0,70.


It affects 11,7% of the world and it’s the third leading cause of death worldwide. Prevalence is expected to rise, and it’s expected to be the leading cause of death in 15 years.
It affects 11,7% of the world and it’s the third leading cause of death worldwide. Prevalence is expected to rise, and it’s expected to be the leading cause of death in 15 years.


COPD has two phenotypes, '''chronic bronchitis''' and '''emphysema'''.
COPD has two phenotypes, '''chronic bronchitis''' and '''emphysema'''.<section end="radiology" />


COPD is a chronic disease with periodic [[COPD exacerbations|flare-ups or exacerbations]], during which more intensive therapy is needed.
COPD is a chronic disease with periodic [[COPD exacerbations|flare-ups or exacerbations]], during which more intensive therapy is needed.
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The bronchodilator test is performed to distinguish COPD from bronchial asthma. If the FEV1 improves more than 12% after bronchodilator, bronchial asthma is diagnosed.
The bronchodilator test is performed to distinguish COPD from bronchial asthma. If the FEV1 improves more than 12% after bronchodilator, bronchial asthma is diagnosed.
<section begin="radiology" />
=== Imaging ===
Imaging is not necessary for the diagnosis of COPD. In case of emphysema, [[chest radiography]] will show hyperinflation of the lungs, as evidenced by horizontal ribs, widened intercostal space, increased anterioposterior diameter (seen on the lateral view), flattened diaphragm, and increased transparency of the lung.<section end="radiology" />


Differential diagnosis:
=== Differential diagnosis ===
 
* Bronchial [[asthma]]
* Bronchial [[asthma]]
* [[Lung cancer]]
* [[Lung cancer]]
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** [[Pneumothorax]] (due to rupture of bullae)
** [[Pneumothorax]] (due to rupture of bullae)
** Weight loss, [[cachexia]]
** Weight loss, [[cachexia]]
[[Category:Pulmonology]]
<noinclude>[[Category:Pulmonology]]</noinclude>