RESUMO
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a widely prevalent condition usually associated with cigarette consumption. It has a worldwide impact on the allocation of health care resources. The diagnosis is made by history and physical examination supported by measures of airflow and lung volume. The levels of impairment, disability and handicap dictate the requirements for medical care. Smoking cessation, immunization, maximal pharmacologic therapy including the use of supplemental oxygen and prompt attention to exacerbations, represent the basic principles of management. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown in a number of randomized clinical trials to improve functional exercise capacity and health-related quality of life. Many interesting approaches, such as lung volume reduction, lung transplantation, nutritional support and mechanical ventilation for acute exacerbations, are in various stages of clinical use and evaluation