NEW ASSESSMENT OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

(BASED ON GOLD 2011)

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of
morbidity and mortality worldwide. Expected COPD prevalence and mortality will increase in the near future. This paper presents a new concept of COPD assessment based on the patient‘s level of symptoms, future risk of exacerbations, the severity of airflow limitation, and the identification of comorbidities. New strategy of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy of COPD is provided as well.