Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Underdiagnosed and Undertreated in Smokers
As reported by Medical News Today, a new study suggests that health care providers should be more aware of possible Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in patients at risk for lung cancer. As defined by the American Academy of Family Physicians, COPD is an incurable, chronic lung disease that includes two main illnesses - chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Researchers from the University of Alabama obtained the demographic, medical, and spirometric information of 449 subjects who smoked and were enrolled in the National Lung Screening Trial. Researchers found that of the 34 percent of subjects who carried a diagnosis of COPD, only 18 percent were treated, leading to the conclusion that, based on traditional teachings, significant airflow obstructions occurred more frequently than expected. These findings are consistent with those of previous studies over the past several years, including studies reported by PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, as well as MedScape Today.
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