Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prevention, early detection, and aggressive treatment can make a difference

COPD is common, and certainly its impact on healthcare systems is significant. It is imperative to diagnose COPD early in patients with or without respiratory symptoms. This requires office spirometry performed periodically in persons at risk, such as long-time cigarette smokers over 40 years of age. Once airflow obstruction has been identified, smoking cessation is the priority to prevent further deterioration. Our increased understanding of the underlying physiology of COPD and recent developments in medical and surgical treatments have resulted in many new therapeutic options. Many of these treatments have the potential to alleviate symptoms, reduce healthcare utilization, improve quality of life, and extend survival.