Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: less common causes. An algorithm for the primary care physician

The clinical features and distinguishing characteristics of the less common causes of chronic airflow obstruction have been reviewed. Clearly, the majority of patients have cigarette-induced chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. However, for those patients with chronic airflow obstruction who are you...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of general internal medicine : JGIM 1993-10, Vol.8 (10), p.564-572
Main Authors: ST JOHN, R. C, GADEK, J. E, PACHT, E. R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Airway Obstruction - complications
alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
Biological and medical sciences
Bronchiectasis - complications
Chronic Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma
Eosinophilic Granuloma - complications
Granuloma, Foreign-Body - complications
Humans
Lung Diseases, Obstructive - etiology
Lung Diseases, Obstructive - physiopathology
Medical sciences
Pneumology
Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary - complications
Smoking - adverse effects
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Description
Summary:The clinical features and distinguishing characteristics of the less common causes of chronic airflow obstruction have been reviewed. Clearly, the majority of patients have cigarette-induced chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. However, for those patients with chronic airflow obstruction who are younger than 40 years old and/or have no or modest (less than 20 pack-years) smoking histories, a detailed assessment is warranted. A logical approach to the evaluation of the patient with dyspnea and chronic airflow obstruction has been outlined, with the goal of identifying those patients with potentially reversible disease, and to underscore the fact that not all "COPD" is due to cigarette smoking.
ISSN:0884-8734
1525-1497
DOI:10.1007/BF02599641