Related Experiment Videos
Medication use in home care patients with COPD
S Carr-Lopez1, H Salem, P N Catania
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, Calif. 95211, USA.
Home Care Provider
|October 23, 1998
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death, with mortality rates increasing significantly. This progressive lung disease causes irreversible airflow obstruction, typically starting with a cough in middle age.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of mortality in the United States, ranking fourth.
- Unlike many diseases with declining mortality, COPD has seen a significant increase, rising by 33% between 1979 and 1991.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- To describe the typical onset and progression of COPD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- This abstract does not detail specific methods.
- Information is based on established medical definitions and observed epidemiological trends.
Main Results:
- COPD is characterized by slowly progressive, predominantly irreversible airflow obstruction.
- Symptoms often begin in the fifth decade of life with increased cough.
- Dyspnea on exertion is commonly noted in the sixth or seventh decade.
Conclusions:
- COPD represents a growing public health concern due to increasing mortality rates.
- The disease has a distinct pattern of onset and progression, affecting individuals typically after age 40.