Management of stable COPD

• management strategy of stable COPD should be predominantly based on the assessment of symptoms and future risk of exacerbations
• all individuals who smoke should be strongly encouraged and supported to quit
• main treatment goals are reduction of symptoms and future risk of exacerbations
• management strategies include pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Open Image in Modal

© 2020, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, available from www.goldcopd.org, published in Fontana, WI, USA.

Notes:

• a major differential diagnosis is asthma. In some patients with chronic asthma, a clear distinction from COPD is not possible using current imaging and physiological testing techniques. In these patients, current management is similar to that of asthma
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) screening:
  • the World Health Organization recommends that all patients with a diagnosis of COPD should be screened once especially in areas with high AATD prevalence
    • a low concentration (< 20% normal) is highly suggestive of homozygous deficiency
      • family members should also be screened

Reference:

• Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2021 Report)