Causes and effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, slowly progressive disease which is a significant cause of disability and death (British Thoracic Society (BTS), 1997). Despite the clinical and economic burden it creates, it is a relatively poorly understood disease, with many of those with COPD being undiagnosed. This article will discuss some of the causes and effects of COPD and give particular consideration to its impact on patients. It will also consider how the impact of the disease may be reduced, giving greater attention to two specific interventions, namely pulmonary rehabilitation and smoking cessation. The BTS guidelines as a framework for the management of COPD, and the need for a collaborative approach between primary and secondary care, will also be highlighted.