00:03
Specific diseases is where we are finally.
Up until this point, we have taken a look
at various tools in which you can diagnose
your patient. Speaking about looking at the
overview of obstructive lung diseases. So
what is COPD by definition? Now, pay attention
here because what we will do as we go into
specific diseases is then carve out those
specific diseases that fall into the definition
of current day practice, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, or they do not. COPD is
a common, preventable and treatable disease
that is characterised by air flow limitation.
And by air flow limitation, it means that
you are having a hard time getting air out.
It’s usually progressive and associated
with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response
in the airways and the lung to noxious particles
or gases. Often times, it is about the exposure
that the patient has had. For example smoking.
01:04
The exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to
the overall severity in the individual. And so, when we
start talking about signs and symptoms, well,
what kind of test? May be something like a
DLCO would then tell you, “Wow, my patient
is in trouble.” Spend a minute or two just
making sure that you are completely comfortable
with the definition of COPD and
therefore, walk into our pathologies, it will
make a lot more sense.