Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a treatable disease that can be prevented and has significant extrapulmonary effects that may contribute to its severity in individual patients. Its pulmonary component is characterized by limited airflow in the bronchi (bronchial obstruction), which is not fully reversible.
Bronchial obstruction usually progresses and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response to harmful particles and gases. Treatment of mild to moderate COPD (stage I and II) involves the exclusion of risk factors to prevent disease progression and pharmacotherapy given as needed to manage symptoms.
The severe form (stage III) and the very severe form (stage IV) often require a multidisciplinary approach. The basis of treatment is the administration of bronchodilators.