LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Air
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COPD is a chronic, systemic disease largely caused by smoking, which affects the respiratory system by progressive and persistent airflow obstruction. It is a condition that is well known to practicing family physicians.
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Sometimes called chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), COPD makes it hard for a person to breathe because the airflow in and out of the lungs is partly blocked. COPD can ... cause high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), which can lead to a form of heart disease called cor pulmonale.
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Pulmonary function tests are necessary to appropriately diagnose and assess COPD. As the disease progresses, changes in lung function translate into a decreased forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and decreased vital capacity (VC). Residual volume (RV) is increased due to air trapping.7 FEV1 is an important predictor of mortality.1
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Any disease that affects the lungs is dangerous for COPD patients. Pneumonia can cause acute attacks of chronic bronchitis. This may precipitate acute respiratory failure, which is life-threatening for COPD patients. Viral or bacterial infections in the lungs, seasonal changes, certain medications, and exposure to irritants in the air may ... trigger serious lung events.
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