The importance of the assessment of pulmonary function in COPD
KL Bailey - Medical Clinics of North America, 2012 - Elsevier
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined by airflow limitation caused by
chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Spirometry is an essential step in the diagnosis and
staging of COPD. Guidelines advise spirometry as the gold standard for COPD diagnosis.
Spirometry is also an important part of monitoring COPD. Despite this, many patients are
treated for presumed COPD without ever undergoing pulmonary function testing. This article
reviews pulmonary function testing and the abnormalities seen in COPD. Discussed is the …
chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Spirometry is an essential step in the diagnosis and
staging of COPD. Guidelines advise spirometry as the gold standard for COPD diagnosis.
Spirometry is also an important part of monitoring COPD. Despite this, many patients are
treated for presumed COPD without ever undergoing pulmonary function testing. This article
reviews pulmonary function testing and the abnormalities seen in COPD. Discussed is the …