Early detection and early treatment of COPD / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cigarette smoking is considered the most important risk factor for the development of COPD, and several studies have demonstrated that inflammation in the respiratory tract is an early event in cigarette smoker and long.acting bronchodilator provides significant improvement in lung function, quality of life and symptoms in asymptomatic patients who were not previously receiving maintenance treatment. Considering pathophysiology of COPD, early diagnosis of the disease with aggressive management in early stages is the best strategy to reduce costs in COPD. However, it is inadequate to diagnose COPD as symptoms, and GOLD guideline does not recommend regular treatment in mild COPD patients. Furthermore, the reason for the underdiagnosis and delay in treatment may from medical insurance in Korea covers using regular long acting anticholinergics only in moderate or more severe patients. This article reviewed the necessity of early diagnosis, the mechanism of COPD and the significance of aggressive intervention in early COPD patients.