COPD in Clinical Practice

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disabling condition in which the patient's airways become obstructed causing persistent and progressive breathlessness, which can greatly impair the ability to lead a normal life. COPD is the sixth leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality and is a major socio-economic burden in industrialized nations. Although COPD cannot be cured, there are effective treatments that can greatly increase quality of life for patients, slow disease progression and prevent premature death from COPD or its complications.