Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Keywords:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality globally.1 A recent study suggests a global prevalence of approximately 10%.2 Interestingly, Cape Town had the highest global prevalence of 22.2% in men and 8.5% in women.2 COPD was thought to develop in only 15% of smokers. However, we now realise that this is an underestimation because COPD is both under-recognised and undiagnosed, as many patients accept the limitations associated with disease progression as natural for a person who has smoked.2-5 The incidence of COPD in non-smokers is estimated at 5% or less.6 The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) estimates that COPD will be the third most common cause of death worldwide by 2020.1
Issue
Section
Review
By submitting manuscripts to PNT, authors of original articles are assigning copyright to Medpharm Publications (Pty) Ltd. Authors may use their own work after publication without written permission, provided they acknowledge the original source. Individuals and academic institutions may freely copy and distribute articles published in PNT for educational and research purposes without obtaining permission.