Recognizing, Defining and Treating COPD

Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an extensive, adverse effect on both patients and the healthcare system.

With respect to patients, COPD causes physical impairment, debility, reduced quality of life, and death. It is the fourth-ranked cause of death in the United States, killing more than 100,000 individuals each year. With respect to the healthcare system, COPD causes high resource utilization, which includes frequent clinician office visits, frequent hospitalizations due to acute exacerbations, and chronic therapy (eg, long-term oxygen therapy, medication). This is a consequence of the high prevalence and chronicity of COPD [1].

It is important to recognize and diagnose COPD early because appropriate management can prevent and decrease symptoms (especially dyspnea), reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improve health status, improve exercise capacity, and prolong survival. Despite this, COPD is under diagnosed [2]. Only 15 to 20 percent of smokers are ever diagnosed with COPD, although the majority develops airflow obstruction [3].

The definition, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and staging of COPD are discussed in this topic review.

Accreditation

CPE

Event Sponsorship

This activity is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky and Trover Clinic Foundation.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc..