copd key

• Ch ronic Obstructive Pulmonar y Disease (COP D) is a
preventable and treatable disease with some significant extra-
pulmonary effects that may contribute to the severity in individual
patients. Its pulmonary component is characterized by airflow limitation
that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive
and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lung
to noxious particles or gases.
• Worldwide, the most commonly encountered risk factor for COPD
is cigarette smok ing. At ever y possible opportunity
individuals w ho smok e should be encouraged to quit . In
many countries, air pollution resulting from the burning of wood and
other biomass fuels has also been identified as a COPD risk factor.
• A diagnosis of COPD should be considered in any patient who has
dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum production, and/or a history of
exposure to risk factors for the disease. The diagnosis should be
confirmed by spirometry.
• A COP D m a n agement program includes four components:
assess and monitor disease, reduce risk factors, manage stable
COPD, and manage exacerbations.
• P harmacologic treatment can prevent and control symptoms,
reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improve health
status, and improve exercise tolerance.
• Patient education can help improve skills, ability to cope with
illness, and health status. It is an effective way to accomplish smoking
cessation, initiate discussions and understanding of advance directives
and end-of-life issues, and improve responses to acute exacerbations.
• COPD is often associated with exacerbations of symptoms.