Vol. 18 No. 1 (2020)
An Approach To:

Approach to: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

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  • Alexander Ni
Alexander Ni
McGill University
Bio
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26443/mjm.v18i1.197

Published 2020-10-19

Keywords

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
  • emphysema,
  • chronic bronchitis,
  • spirometry,
  • COPD exacerbation,
  • alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
    • ...More
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How to Cite

1.
Ni A. Approach to: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). McGill J Med [Internet]. 2020 Oct. 19 [cited 2025 Oct. 21];18(1). Available from: https://mjm.mcgill.ca/article/view/197

Copyright (c) 2020 McGill Journal of Medicine

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Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the world, affecting developing and developed countries alike. Recent advancements in medical and interventional therapies have led to decreasing overall mortality rates in the last decade. Despite these improvements, COPD continues to cause significant morbidity and lost productivity. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of COPD and the work-up of a patient with suspected COPD, emphasizing pulmonary function testing, an approach to treatment, and the management of COPD exacerbations.

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