Study of chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in Damietta Chest Hospital

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. COPD occurs worldwide but it's a major health problem principally in societies where cigarette smoking is common and the average life-span extends into the sixth decade or beyond. Comorbid diseases potentiate the morbidity of COPD, leading to increased hospitalisations, mortality and healthcare costs. Comorbidities complicate the management of COPD and need to be evaluated carefully. COPD affects about 10% of the general population, but its prevalence among heavy smokers can reach 50%. COPD prevalence, morbidity, and mortality vary across countries and across different groups within countries. In Egypt, COPD is a rising significant health problem; however, information on its prevalence, morbidity, and mortality is still lacking.