COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Causes:
Smoking (most common)
Air pollution
Biomass fuel smoke
Occupational dust and chemicals
Genetic causes (e.g., Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
Symptoms:
Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Sputum production
Wheezing
Reduced exercise tolerance
Treatment:
Quit smoking
Avoid air pollutants
Inhaled bronchodilators ± inhaled corticosteroids (when indicated)
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Vaccinations (influenza, pneumococcal)
Oxygen therapy for selected patients with severe hypoxemia
Manage exacerbations promptly and regularly follow up with a pulmonologist
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