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Capturing for On Demand
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PULM-Pulmonology

PUBL-Public Health

EMER-Emergency Medicine

Hidden in Plain Sight: Chronic Lung Diseases

Saturday, May 17, 2025
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM  
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Room 501
CE: 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME
Capturing for On Demand

How can a disease have epidemic proportions, and yet only half of the patients with the disease know they have it? COPD impacts 30 million Americans, but half of cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. One in eight adults over the age of 45 has COPD and these patients are seen every day in the ER, in neurology clinics, during orthopedic visits, for gynecology care, and by primary care providers. PAs are well positioned to identify patients with COPD and impact the health and quality of the lives of millions.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:
  • Evaluate the risk factors for chronic lung disease even if the patient does not have a history of smoking
  • Analyze how shortness of breath, fatigue, and chronic cough impact a patient's overall health status
  • Apply the case studies to your own practice
  • Describe scenarios that involve one of the hidden diagnoses
  • Interpret symptoms of fatigue, lack of endurance, and shortness of breath to provide a diagnosis that goes beyond congestive heart failure