读医学网

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant cause of death and disability in both developed and developing countries. It is increasing in frequency and demands increasing utilisation of healthcare resources. Cigarette smoking remains the major cause of COPD but, in developing countries, biomass fuel smoke and tuberculosis are important additional causes.

This revised guideline is based on the following premises: (i) COPD is an inflammatory disorder, and (ii) while COPD is associated with partial reversibility of the airflow limitation using simple spirometry, modern treatment results in significant symptomatic improvement in quality of life (QOL) and morbidity.