Study of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in Gamal Abd El Nasser Hospital in Alexandria

Abstract

COPD is an ultimately underdiagnosed disorder, with the diagnosis typically missed or delayed until the condition is advanced. Spirometry is the most frequently used pulmonary function test, and enables health professionals to make an objective measurement of airflow obstruction and assess the degree of its reversibility (Soriano et al., 2009). COPD is one of the leading causes of death in developed nations and affects both men and women. Smoking is the main cause of COPD, and accounts for 80% to 90% of COPD-related deaths (Torpy et al., 2010). In Egypt, prevalence, morbidity and mortality are still lacking and have to be estimated; however, COPD is arising significant health problem in Egypt (Egyptian Society of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis, 2003).