Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a ten-year review of clinical features in O.A.U.T.H.C., Ile-Ife.

The case notes of all patients admitted for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) between 1990-1999 were reviewed. A total of 160 cases satisfied the American Thoracic Society criteria for COPD and were subsequently analyzed. The age of the patients ranged from 41-90 years: with a mean of 65 years. The male-female ratio was 4:1. Indoor pollution and smoking were found to be the commonest aetiological factors; while farming and trading were the major occupational groups at risk. The clinical features of the patients showed a mixed pattern of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The study identifies the need to make an early diagnosis and commence appropriate treatment to retard progression to severe disease and death.