Differential Features of COPD in China
Fuqiang Wen 1, Yongchun Shen 1
1 Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University and Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of China, Chengdu, China
*Correspondence: Fuqiang Wen, Email not available
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by persistent airflow limitation, is a public health problem worldwide. It is a major chronic disease in China, which has the largest population of elderly and smokers in the world, as well as the largest number of COPD patients. The occurrence of COPD is linked to multiple risk factors, including smoking, use of biomass fuel, and air pollution. COPD has a major negative effect on the quality of life, including limitations on the work ability. It increases mortality and leads to a significant use of health-care resources. Much progress has already been made in the prevention and treatment of COPD in China, but early diagnosis using spirometry should become more widespread, and general COPD knowledge among clinicians needs to be improved. This review summarizes the clinical characteristics of COPD in China, as well as current concepts for COPD diagnosis and treatment, and future actions to improve disease management in the country.
