Diagnostic and monitoring of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the world and one of the most unrecognized diseases. Due to the increasing number of patients, beside pneumophtisiology specialists, family medicine physicians are becoming increasingly involved in the diagnosis and care of COPD patients. They should be continuously educated to be able to provide quality care to such patients.. The most common challenges that a family physician faces in the care of these patients are proper performance and interpretation of spirometry, adequate choice of an inhalation device, and the patient's adherence. Adherence in patients with COPD is affected by multiple factors associated with the patient, their clinician, family physician, and a society. Effective communication between the clinician, family physician, and the patient is crucial for optimizing adherence.

Key words:
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; spirometry; adherence