CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE SYMPTOMS: Dyspnoea that is: progressive over time characteristically worse with exercise persistent Chronic cough: may be intermittent and may be unproductive recurrent wheeze Chronic sputum production: any pattern of chronic sputum production may indicate COPD Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections History of risk factors: host factors (such as genetic factors, congenital/developmental abnormalities, etc) tobacco smoke (including popular local preparations) smoke from home cooking and heating fuels occupational dusts, vapours, fumes, gases, and other chemicals Family history of COPD and/or childhood factors: for example, low birthweight, childhood respiratory infection, etc Table 1: Differential diagnosis of COPD Diagnosis Suggestive features These features tend to be characteristic of the respective diseases, but are not mandatory. For example, a person who has never smoked ma...
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