Clinical findings of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Tokuda, Y.; Miyagi, S.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 69(10): 1770-1774
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 22073571 Document Number: 651993
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) can show various unique clinical findings. Whenever we examine smokers or ex-smokers, especially for those with chronic productive cough or dyspnea on effort, we have to pay attention to whether they would have clinical manifestations associated with COPD. Making physical diagnosis is quick and requires few costs. Rapid physical diagnosis of COPD in primary care practice can also lead to earlier actions of preventive measures and counseling for patients regarding smoking cessation. Furthermore, rapid physical diagnosis of COPD in an emergency department could be crucial for timely implementation of potentially lifesaving management specific for COPD patients. In this review, we will present an extensive list of clinical findings of COPD patients.