Global strategy for diagnosis, management and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The prevalence and burden Of COPD are projected to increase in the coming decades due to continued exposure to COPD risk factors and the changing age structure of the world’s population. COPD is one of the most important causes of death in most countries. The Global Burden of Disease Study has projected that COPD, which ranked sixth as the cause of death in 2000, will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. The chronic airflow limitation characteristic of COPD is caused by a mixture of small airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema). Airflow limitation is best measured by spirometry, as this the most widely available, reproducible test of lung function. COPD itself also has significant extrapulmonary (systemic) effects that lead to comorbid conditions. The goals of treatment of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include maintaining optimal health, symptom relief, preventing progression of disease, increase exercise tolerance, preventing complications and exacerbations, improving control of symptoms, enabling the patient to function to the greatest extent possible, improving quality of life. Home treatment usually works well for most people, but others with very severe disease may need hospitalisation. With early diagnosis, lifestyle changes (e.g., smoking cessation), and appropriate treatment, many people can lead normal and productive lives.