BMJ  2006;333:188-190 (22 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7560.188

Practice

ABC of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Primary care and palliative care

department of general practice and primary care, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Centre, Aberdeen.

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Over the past decade, interest in diagnosing and managing COPD in primary care has grown in recognition of its increasing burden on patients, families, health services, and society. Guidelines from bodies such as the British Thoracic Society, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, and International Primary Care Airways Group have also increased awareness of COPD among primary care doctors.

All patients should receive education about COPD

 

COPD is a cause of great misery to many patients and their carers. Decreasing lung function—with symptoms such as breathlessness, cough, wheeze, fluid retention, and fatigue—results in a downward spiral of reduced activity, social isolation, loss of independence, depression, and increased contact with health and social care providers. However, considerable help can and should be provided in primary care. Recently, the inclusion of COPD management in the UK general practice "new contract" has provided incentives for . . . [Full text of this article]

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