Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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Long-term adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment is essential in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). ⋯ PAP treatment adherence has to be optimized in OSAS patients. When initiating PAP therapy, clinicians have to focus on those patients at risk for discontinuing treatment. Education sessions and closer follow-up are possible strategies to improve treatment adherence and to avoid treatment discontinuation.
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Exertional dyspnea is the primary symptom that limits exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is unknown which activated brain area is associated with this symptom in COPD patients. ⋯ Exertional dyspnea was related to activation (oxygenation) of the prefrontal cortex in COPD patients and control subjects.
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The retropalatal airway is one of the most collapsible sites during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The primary anatomical contributors to increased collapsibility in the retropalatal segment remain unclear. ⋯ The increased volumetric proportion of pharyngeal soft tissue to the bone enclosure may be an important contributor to increased retropalatal mechanical loads.
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Irreversible airways obstruction in smokers is usually attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We speculate that some of these are cases of asthma indistinguishable from COPD. ⋯ COPD, even in heavy smokers, includes cases of asthma. FEV1 fluctuation during 1 year is a novel concept which may distinguish irreversible asthma and COPD.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide and thus its associated morbidity and mortality. However, COPD often goes undiagnosed. ⋯ Although several factors are associated with non-diagnosed AO, spirometry in individuals with respiratory symptoms and exposure to risk factors could reduce undiagnosed irreversible AO by half.