Pocket-sized guide to COPD | |
COPD. Rapid reference. David Halpin. London: Mosby, 2001 (136 pp). ISBN 0 7234 3268 6. |
The tremendous burden
of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is escalating worldwide, as the population ages. In Australia, it is the third leading cause of burden of disease, affecting around one in 10 people aged over 45 years.
We have recently seen the worldwide release of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines on COPD management. The revised Australian and New Zealand guidelines for management of COPD and associated COPD handbook (based on GOLD) are due for release shortly. So, do we need yet another guide to COPD management? Well, in this case the answer is, resoundingly, yes! This book is excellent — and given the previous mismatch between the importance of COPD in clinical practice and the availability of useful evidence-based texts on the subject, I would be pleased to see even more books like this one. It is a concise handbook on COPD that is part of the Mosby Rapid reference series offering doctors “easy access to the best information for effective patient care and management”. Pocket-sized and very easy to read, the book contains chapters on definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, future developments and frequently asked questions. The information provided is evidence-based, up-to-date and includes appropriate references. Pagination is colour-coded in sections for easy reference and there are many useful tables and figures. A comprehensive discussion of how to perform spirometry testing is a notable feature. One of the very useful appendices contains addresses and websites for more detailed information about specific areas of interest. This book would be a useful rapid reference guide for general practitioners, physicians and hospital medical officers alike. Christine F McDonald
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