Aust Fam Physician
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Acute dyspnoea is a distressing symptom that can suddenly affect any age group. ⋯ Successful management includes rapid assessment of the extent of the disease process, with emphasis on maintenance or protection of airway integrity and identification of impending respiratory failure. All general practice surgeries must have the appropriate equipment available, and staff trained in its use, to provide immediate relief to any patient who presents with dyspnoea. Urgent transfer from the general practice setting to a more specialised centre is usually necessary.
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Of all the major diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the one for which the burden is increasing the fastest. ⋯ Diagnosis is by clinical suspicion in patients with an appropriate clinical history and airflow obstruction is confirmed using spirometry. Although smoking cessation and oxygen in selected individuals are the only interventions known to alter the natural history of COPD, many other treatments can significantly lessen breathlessness, reduce exacerbations, and improve exercise and quality of life.