Max Rady College of Medicine

Term: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2011-01-24

Definition:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) are a group of lung diseases characterized by limited airflow with variable degrees of air sack enlargement and lung tissue destruction. Emphysema (permanently enlarged air sacks of the lung with reduced lung elasticity) and chronic bronchitis (inflamed and narrowed airways) are the most common forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. See MedlinePlus® - Health Topics - COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) for more information.

In Raymond et al. (2011), they used the following definition of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): "COPD is an obstructive pulmonary disorder usually caused by smoking. It typically involves partially reversible airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation, exertional dyspnea, cough and/or sputum production, and frequent respiratory tract infections and increasing frequency of exacerbations" (O'Donnell et al., 2007).

For more information, see the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Prevalence concept.

Related concepts 

Related terms 

References 

  • Anthonisen NR, Dik N, Manfreda J, Roos LL. Spirometry and obstructive lung disease in Manitoba. Can Respir J 2001;8(6):421-426. [Abstract] (View)
  • O'Donnell DE, Aaron S, Bourbeau J, Hernandez P, Marciniuk DD, Balter M, Ford G, Gervais A, Goldstein R, Hodder R, Kaplan A, Keenan S, Lacasse Y, Maltais F, Road J, Rocker G, Sin D, Sinuff T, Voduc N. Canadian Thoracic Society recommendations for management of chroic obstructive pulmonary disease - 2007 update. Canadian Respiratory Journal: Journal of the Canadian Thoracic Society 2007;14(Suppl B):5B-32B.(View)
  • Raymond C, Metge C, Alessi-Severini S, Dahl M, Schultz J, Guenette W. Pharmaceutical Use in Manitoba: Opportunities to Optimize Use. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2010. [Report] [Summary] (View)

Term used in 

  • Chateau D, Doupe M, Prior H, Soodeen RA, Sarkar J, Dragan R, Stevenson D, Rajotte L. The Health Status of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2019. [Report] [Summary] [Additional Materials] (View)
  • De Coster C, Chateau D, Dahl M, Soodeen RA, McKeen N. Waiting Times for Surgery, Manitoba 1999/2000 to 2003/04. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2007. [Report] [Summary] (View)
  • Finlayson G, Ekuma O, Yogendran M, Burland E, Forget E. The Additional Cost of Chronic Disease in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2010. [Report] [Summary] (View)


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