Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Wassim W. Labaki, Sharon R Rosenberg
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and progressive airflow obstruction. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause but not the only one. A postbronchodilator FEV1–FVC ratio less than 0.70 is required for a diagnosis of COPD. Inhaler therapy is the backbone of treatment and should be complemented by a multifaceted management strategy that includes counseling and pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, treatment of comorbidities, administration of influenza and pneumococcal immunizations, and prescription of long-term oxygen therapy in hypoxemic patients.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCOPDSmoking cessationOxygen therapyPharmacotherapyPulmonary diseasePulmonary rehabilitationInhalerIntensive care medicineMedical prescriptionInternal medicineAsthmaPhysical therapyPathologyPharmacologyChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ResearchRespiratory Support and MechanismsAsthma and respiratory diseases