Diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Kęstutis Malakauskas^{1, 2}, Raimundas Sakalauskas¹

¹Department of Pulmonology and Immunology, ²Institute for Biomedical Research, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania

Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diagnosis, management.

Summary. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing health problem and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cigarette smoking remains the main risk factor. COPD is preventable, readily diagnosable and treatable disease. The appropriate and early use of spirometry for diagnosis is of importance. A comprehensive treatment plan for managing patients with COPD involves the use of pharmacological as well as nonpharmacologic interventions. Smoking cessation can substantially reduce the risk for the development or rate of progression of COPD. Bronchodilator therapy is a basis in symptomatic treatment. Inhaled steroids might reduce frequency and severity of exacerbation and can be effectively combined with long acting β₂ agonists. Pulmonary rehabilitation benefits most patients. Patients with hypoxemia suffering from more severe disease may require a long-term oxygen therapy. Surgical intervention may help a limited number of patients.

Correspondence to K. Malakauskas, Department of Pulmonology and Immunology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Eivenių 2, 50009 Kaunas, Lithuania. E-mail: kestutis.malakauskas@kmu.lt

Received 14 January 2005, accepted 8 February 2005