Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease state characterised by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible.

Suspected in patients with a history of smoking, occupational and environmental risk factors, or a personal or family history of chronic lung disease.

Presents with progressive shortness of breath, wheeze, cough, and sputum production.

Diagnostic tests include pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray, chest computed tomography scan, oximetry, and arterial blood gas analysis.

Patients should be encouraged to stop smoking or occupational exposure and be vaccinated against viral influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Treatment options include bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, antibiotics, and mucolytics.

Long-term oxygen therapy improves survival in severe COPD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise tolerance, dyspnoea, and health status in stable patients.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease state characterised by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. It encompasses both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. It is primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Although COPD affects the lungs, it also has significant systemic consequences. Exacerbations and comorbidities are important contributors to the overall condition and prognosis in individual patients.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2021 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GOLD-REPORT-2021-v1.1-25Nov20_WMV.pdf

BMJ talk medicine podcast: a clinical guide to COPD