Kathy Blair
University of Colorado, USA
Title: Combating chronic obstructive pulmonary/lung disease (COPD/COLD) by early recognition of risk factors
Biography
Biography: Kathy Blair
Abstract
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and some speculate COPD will reach the 3rd leading cause of death by 2020. Smoking and environmental pollution are well known to contribute to the development of COPD; however, there are many other risk factors that are less well known and poorly understood. If health care providers are to facilitate a reduction in COPD deaths, it is imperative that providers recognize those at risk and intervene early. This presentation will discuss the lessor known risk factors for COPD such as alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency, prematurity, occupational hazards and others. Additionally, a discussion regarding vulnerable populations will be addressed. A summary of the results of a survey exploring Colorado advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners) awareness of risk factors will be presented.