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Complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2006;49(4):321-332
Publication date (electronic) : 2006 April 30
doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2006.49.4.321
Kang Hyeon Choe, M.D.
Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National Univercity College of Medicine & Hospital, Korea. choekh@chungbuk.ac.kr

Abstract

Although symptoms related to airflow obstruction are the most prominent symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are many local and systemic complications contributing to the morbidity and mortality of the patients. This review article briefly discusses the following complications of COPD and their clinical implications: change of pulmonary circulation, peripheral edema, systemic inflammation, cardiovascular complication, weight loss, skeletal muscle dysfunction, osteoporosis, and anxiety. A better understanding and management of these complications as well as treatment of the airflow obstruction can improve the quality of life, and even the survival of the patients.

Keywords: Complication; Systemic Effect; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Figure 1

Figure 1

Pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease where cigarette-smoke products play a central role in initiating the sequence of changes which results in pulmonary hypertension.