From the Guidelines
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities, usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases.
Definition and Characteristics
The disease is marked by symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and/or sputum production, which are often underreported by patients 1. Tobacco smoking is the main risk exposure for COPD, but environmental exposures like biomass fuel exposure and air pollution may also contribute 1.
Key Points
- COPD is a progressive lung disease with airflow limitation that is not fully reversible.
- The clinical diagnosis of COPD is suggested by symptoms, but can only be established firmly by an objective measurement indicating airflow obstruction 1.
- Appropriate treatment can lead to some improvement in both measured airflow obstruction and/or clinically important symptoms 1.
Management and Treatment
Treatment focuses on symptom management, reducing exacerbations, and slowing disease progression. For most patients, bronchodilators form the cornerstone of therapy, starting with short-acting agents like albuterol for mild symptoms. As the disease progresses, long-acting bronchodilators become necessary, including long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) 1.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation, annual influenza vaccination, and pneumococcal vaccination are essential non-pharmacological interventions. Oxygen therapy is recommended for patients with severe hypoxemia 1.
Disease Progression and Monitoring
COPD management requires a stepwise approach because the disease causes progressive airway inflammation and remodeling, leading to irreversible airflow limitation. Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor disease progression and adjust treatment accordingly 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
BREO ELLIPTA is a prescription medicine used to treat COPD COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both 2.
From the Research
Definition of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by obstructive and inflammatory components 3, 4
- It is the leading cause of death worldwide, with cigarette smoking being the primary cause of COPD 5
- The disease is marked by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing, which can worsen over time if left untreated 3, 4
Pathology and Progression of COPD
- The pathology of COPD includes both obstructive and inflammatory components, which can lead to repeated injury and enhance the disease's progression 6, 4
- Smoking cessation is the most effective strategy for slowing down the progression of COPD and reducing mortality 7, 6, 5
- The combination of counseling and pharmacotherapy is more effective than either alone in promoting smoking cessation and sustained abstinence in smokers with COPD 7, 6
Treatment and Management of COPD
- Treatment of moderate or severe COPD with combinations of inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, and long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilators is common but requires careful consideration of the patient's individual needs 3
- Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus is an effective preventive strategy to prevent exacerbations in patients with COPD 6
- The use of inhaled fluticasone propionate/salmeterol and ipratropium/albuterol has been shown to improve lung function and symptom measures in patients with moderate to severe COPD 4