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Previous Volume 343:1960-1961 December 28, 2000 Number 26 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of disorders characterized by a poorly reversible limitation of airflow that is usually progressive and associated with a persistent inflammatory response of the lungs. It is caused by at least three distinct pathologic processes that may occur separately or concurrently (chronic bronchitis accompanied by the hypersecretion of mucus; the destruction of alveolar walls, which causes emphysema; and chronic asthma).

Treating COPD is challenging. However, clinical studies of asthma have found that regular treatment with an inhaled glucocorticoid is effective in reducing symptoms and the frequency of exacerbations and in improving pulmonary function.¹ . . . [Full Text of this Article]

References

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• Soriano, J.B., Vestbo, J., Pride, N.B., Kiri, V., Maden, C., Maier, W.C. (2002). Survival in COPD patients after regular use of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in general practice. Eur Respir J 20: 819-825 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Vestbo, J. (2001). Another Piece of the Inhaled Corticosteroids-in-COPD Puzzle. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 164: 514-515 [Full Text]  
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