An overview of assessment and management in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent disease, which has a huge impact on both families and individual patients lives. Even though COPD is largely a preventable disease, it is increasing worldwide. Therefore, healthcare professionals working within primary care are likely to come into daily contact with patients with this condition. However, statistics tell us that there are many more patients that are undiagnosed. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of this condition and to identify the various drug therapies that are available to ensure patients are receiving optimal treatment to control their symptoms of COPD.