Abstract

REVIEW ON CLINICAL ETIOLOGY OF COPD AND COMORBIDITIES

S. K. Hafeezunnisa*, S. K. Jareena, Sreenu Thalla and Padmalatha Kantamneni

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common chronic and progressive disease which is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to alveolar abnormalities which is not fully reversible. In the past 2 decades there was a substantial increase in prevalence and mortality of COPD. Mortality rate is six times higher in males when compared to females, however the prevalence among females also increasing in smoking. Environmental exposures to multiple toxins result in increased risk of COPD. The complex interaction between the genes and environmental factors which may result in COPD. The progression of COPD can vary from different factors which depends on the development of systemic complications as well as the different phenotypes and comorbidities. some people may not expose to any environmental noxious dust particles but still they develop COPD. COPD co- exists with the other chronic medical conditions such as coronary artery disease, corpulmonale, Diabetes mellitus, Osteoporosis, Depression, Anxiety, pulmonary embolism and muscle wasting are common in COPD, but their prevalence varies among the various studies. Co-morbidities increase the risk of exacerbations, reduce the quality of life and may increase the risk of mortality. Cardiovascular disease is the common comorbidity associated with the COPD.

Keywords: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Smoking, Environmental exposures, Co-morbidities, Cardiovascular disease, Exacerbations.