Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is characterised by irreversible airflow limitation that is usually progressive over the long term.

In many cases, it is preventable and can be effectively managed.

Greater than 85% of cases are caused by smoking. Other risk factors include air pollution, long-term cannabis smoking, occupational exposure (e.g. cadmium, silica, asbestos, dust), genetic predisposition (e.g. alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency).

Objectives of this course:

• To identify those patients in whom a clinical diagnosis of COPD should be considered.
• To understand the initial investigations in a patient suspected of having COPD.
• To describe the pharmacologic management of a patient.
• To understand the steps in managing a patient with an acute exacerbation.
• To understand the non-pharmacological strategies that are useful.
• To recognise an infective exacerbation.

Acknowledgements

This content was created by Dr Karen Falloon MBChB, FRNZCGP, PhD. Senior Lecturer Goodfellow Unit, and updated by Dr Anthony Dewan MBChB, FRNZCGP.