This page compiles our content related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For further information on diagnosis and treatment, follow the links below to our full BMJ Best Practice topics on the relevant conditions and symptoms.
Introduction
Relevant conditions
COPD | The hallmark of COPD is chronic inflammation that affects central and peripheral airways, lung parenchyma and alveoli, and pulmonary vasculature. Suspected in patients with a history of smoking, occupational/environmental risk factors, or a personal or family history of chronic lung disease. Presents with progressive shortness of breath, wheeze, cough, and sputum production. The pooled global prevalence of COPD is 15.7% in men and 9.93% in women.[6] |
|---|---|
Acute COPD exacerbation | go to our full topic on Acute COPD exacerbation Acute exacerbations of COPD range from very mild to severe and life-threatening, and are commonly triggered by bacterial or viral pathogens, pollutants, or changes in temperature and humidity. They present with an acute-onset, sustained worsening of the patient's respiratory symptoms, lung function, functional status, and quality of life.[7][8][9][10][11] Acute exacerbations tend to become more frequent and more severe as COPD progresses, and may themselves accelerate the progression of COPD.[12][13][14] |
Smoking cessation | go to our full topic on Smoking cessation Avoidance of tobacco exposure (both active and passive measures) is an important part of COPD prevention and management. Among the different therapeutic modalities in COPD, smoking cessation is one of the only factors that improves survival. Healthcare professionals play a central role in motivating and assisting patients to quit. |
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency | go to our full topic on Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency An autosomal codominant genetic disorder in which affected individuals lack effective activity of a specific protease inhibitor, alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). This enzyme is responsible for neutralizing neutrophil elastase and thus preventing inflammatory tissue damage in the lungs.[15][16] Pulmonary manifestations include emphysema, COPD, and bronchiectasis. One European study estimated that approximately 1 in every 850 patients with COPD has an alpha-1 antitrypsin protease inhibitor ZZ genotype, which is associated with severe disease.[17] The World Health Organization recommends that all patients with a diagnosis of COPD should be screened once, especially in areas with high prevalence of AAT deficiency.[18] |
Evaluation of dyspnea | go to our full topic on Evaluation of dyspnea The etiology of dyspnea covers a broad range of pathologies from mild, self-limited processes to life-threatening conditions. Diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuromuscular systems are the most common. Exacerbation of COPD is a common cause of subacute dyspnea. Chronic dyspnea is a feature of stable COPD. |
Evaluation of chronic cough | go to our full topic on Evaluation of chronic cough Subacute cough is most often self-limiting, but chronic cough may provide significant challenges for effective evaluation and management. Chronic bronchitis (one of the manifestations of COPD) is among the common causes. |
Contributors
Authors
Editorial Team
BMJ Publishing Group
Disclosures
This overview has been compiled using the information in existing sub-topics.
Patient information
COPD
More Patient information
Log in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer