LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Breathing
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[I]n most cases these pollutants are combined with cigarette smoking further increasing the chance of developing COPD.[6] These occupations are commonly associated with other respiratory diseases, particularly pneumoconiosis (black lung disease). Asbestosis can appear even with minimal exposure.
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No medication for COPD has been shown to modify the long-term decline in lung function that is the hallmark of this disease. Therefore the role of drug treatment is to decrease symptoms and complications.
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Although the place of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD therapy has not been adequately studied,5 patients who respond to chronic oral therapy should be given a trial with an inhaled formulation. Systemic exposure to oral agents should be avoided if possible because significant adverse effects are associated with their use (see TABLE 3). Inhaled therapy has far less toxicity. The most common adverse effect is an increased incidence of oral candidiasis. To avoid this, patients should use spacers and thoroughly rinse their mouths after using their inhalers.
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COPD is a progressive disease that worsens slowly over a number of years (anywhere from 10 to 30 years). It is a silent disease, and it may be several years before you notice its symptoms. COPD is usually diagnosed in adults 60 years of age and older.
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Pharmacists can remind COPD patients, in particular, of the beneficial impact of smoking cessation on the progression of their disease. Pharmacists ... can recommend pneumococcal and influenza vaccines to decrease the potential for exacerbations of COPD.
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In technical terms, COPD is a slowly progressive disease that is characterized by a decrease in the ability of the lungs to maintain the body's oxygen supply and remove carbon dioxide. Nearly 90 percent of COPD cases are directly linked to smoking.
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