Management of the patient with chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD) in a primary health care context

  • I Govender University of Pretoria
  • H I Okonto Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • S Rangiah University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • D Nzaumvila University of KwaZulu-Natal
Keywords: chronic obstructive airway disease, COPD, Primary Health Care, management

Abstract

This paper describes the incidence of chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD), the risk factors, staging, investigations and management of COPD. The differential diagnosis for COPD is also presented as COPD can be confused with other clinical conditions. This paper is presented in practical terms for the clinician working in a primary health care context.

Author Biographies

I Govender, University of Pretoria

Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa

H I Okonto, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Department of Family Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa

S Rangiah, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Department of Family Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

D Nzaumvila, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Department of Family Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa

Published
2019-10-23
Issue
Vol 61 No 5: September/October 2019
Section
Review Articles
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