There is paucity of data on the burden and specific drivers operative in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the African setting and populations. Lack of awareness and inadequate knowledge on the aetio-pathogenesis of
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the disease together with inadequate capacity for COPD care contributes to preventive and management challenges. Thus, the majority of patients with COPD are misdiagnosed, misclassified and mismanaged or undertreated. With the struggling improvement in the quality of healthcare in Africa, studies conducted over the last 10 years indicates the rising trends in both the risk factors and the burden of COPD. The role of new risk factors such as indoor pollution, infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), in the pathogenesis of COPD in Africa is increasingly being recognized. This literature review attempts to collect and synthesize information that could be useful in improving COPD care and informing the governments to take appropriate actions for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD in Africa.
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The document "COPD 101: Understanding the Basics" from the COPD Foundation provides foundational knowledge about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CO
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PD). It explains what COPD is, common symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options, including medications and lifestyle changes. The guide emphasizes early diagnosis and management to help patients live healthier lives and prevent disease progression.
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The article "Under- and over-diagnosis of COPD: a global perspective" reviews the worldwide variation in the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and issues related to its misd
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iagnosis. It highlights that COPD is under-diagnosed due to factors such as limited access to spirometry and variable diagnostic criteria, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Conversely, over-diagnosis often results from reliance on non-standard criteria or inadequate spirometry use. The article discusses key risk factors, including age, gender, exposure to pollutants, and comorbidities, and emphasizes the need for standardized diagnostic practices to better address and manage COPD globally.
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The document "Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Handbook for Pharmacists" outlines the significant role pharmacists play in managing asthma and COPD, emphasizing patient education, disease prevention, medication management, and promoting healthy lifes
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tyles. It highlights the importance of pharmacists in supporting early detection, adherence to treatment, smoking cessation, and interprofessional collaboration to enhance respiratory care and outcomes.
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Lancet Glob Health 2018 Published Online September 12, 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30409-1
Now that you have a basic understanding of COPD, you may have some
additional questions. In this 201 guide, we will move beyond the basics.
You will find information and resources for the treatment and management
of
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COPD, associated conditions, and even an action plan to help you avoid
exacerbations.
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The website for the COPD Foundation in South Africa provides information and resources dedicated to raising awareness, improving education, and supporting individuals affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (
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COPD). Managed by the C.A.R.E.S. Group (COPD Advocacy, Research, Education, Support), the site aims to advocate for better COPD management and care. It includes guidance for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, along with updates on research, events, and programs to enhance COPD treatment and support throughout South Africa.
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The article provides a systematic analysis estimating the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) across Africa. It highlights the significant health burden COPD imposes on the co
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ntinent, emphasizing varying prevalence rates influenced by factors such as tobacco smoking, exposure to biomass fuel, and occupational hazards. The analysis reveals substantial gaps in data and disparities in COPD diagnosis and management across different African countries. The authors call for more comprehensive data collection, increased awareness, and better healthcare infrastructure to effectively address and manage COPD in Africa.
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The document "COPD 101: Understanding the Basics" from the COPD Foundation provides foundational knowledge about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CO
...
PD). It explains what COPD is, common symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options, including medications and lifestyle changes. The guide emphasizes early diagnosis and management to help patients live healthier lives and prevent disease progression.
more
Please complete the section below. Bring all your medicines and inhalers along with a complete list to doctor’s office visits. Think about your ability to perform these activities on a typical “green” day. Place one check mark in each column. In the last (blank) column write in an activity you
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would like to be able to do again. Check the box below it to show how difficult it is to do that activity now. Share this goal with you healthcare team and your family.
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The article discusses the significant impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a global health issue, with cigarette smoking as the main risk factor. However, in developing countries, the causes of
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COPD are often multifactorial, involving environmental tobacco smoke, biomass fuel smoke, dust, fumes, childhood illnesses, and tuberculosis (TB). Up to half of COPD patients in these regions are non-smokers. The article emphasizes that while smoking is crucial, other risk factors contribute significantly to COPD, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It highlights the need for targeted research and public health strategies to address these diverse contributors to COPD, especially in Africa.
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The COPD Foundation's website provides a range of educational resources and downloadable materials aimed at helping patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals learn more about COPD, includin
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g information on prevention, treatment, and disease management.
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The document by the American Thoracic Society provides an overview of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), explaining its causes, such as smoking and environmental factors, symptoms like breathlessness and chronic cough, and diagnostic meth
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ods including spirometry. It discusses treatment strategies, emphasizing smoking cessation, medication use, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The document also highlights that while COPD is a lifelong condition, effective management can improve symptoms and quality of life.
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The "GOLD Patient Guide 2019" explains Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), its causes, symptoms, and stages. It provides practical advice for managing COPD, including the importance of qui
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tting smoking, following medical treatment plans, exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, and creating a supportive living environment. The guide emphasizes early diagnosis, regular medical checkups, and strategies for managing severe COPD to improve quality of life.
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The document provides comprehensive guidance for people with COPD, covering treatment and medication management, oxygen therapy, mucus control, exercise, smoking cessation, nutrition, associated conditions, and strategies to prevent exacerbations. I
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t emphasizes patient education, self-management, and working closely with healthcare providers to enhance well-being and control of the disease.
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The document provides practical guidance for individuals with COPD, covering topics such as medication management, oxygen therapy, mucus control, physical exercise, smoking cessation, nutrition, associated conditions, and how to prevent and manage e
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xacerbations. It emphasizes the importance of patient education, adherence to treatment plans, and collaboration with healthcare providers to improve quality of life and disease outcomes.
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The document "Appropriate use and withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)" from the IPCRG provides guidance on when to start, adjust, or discontinue ICS in
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COPD treatment. It highlights the benefits and risks, emphasizing personalized treatment based on patient history, exacerbation frequency, and eosinophil count, while detailing how to optimize bronchodilator use to manage symptoms effectively.
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The document discusses the complexities of managing patients with COPD and multiple comorbidities, highlighting the importance of personalized care and the appropriate use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). It outlines common comorbidities, such as a
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sthma, osteoporosis, and diabetes, and offers guidance on optimizing treatment regimens while minimizing risks and polypharmacy in primary care settings.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to describe chronic lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by breathlessness. Some people with
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COPD also experience tiredness and chronic cough with or without mucus.
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The video titled "Personalizing Selection of Inhaled Delivery Systems in COPD" discusses the complexities healthcare professionals face when prescribing inhaled therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (
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COPD). It highlights the diverse range of available medications and delivery systems, noting that while medication categorization has been extensively studied, guidance on selecting appropriate inhaler devices remains limited and lacks consensus in COPD guidelines. The video proposes a novel strategy to address this issue, aiming to enhance the personalization of inhaled therapy for COPD patients.
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