[New guidelines for diagnosis and staging of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

A clinical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be considered in any individual who has dyspnoea, chronic cough or sputum production and/or a history of exposure to risk factors for the disease. Spirometry is essential for the definite diagnosis of the disease. Differential diagnosis and co-morbidities such as osteoporosis, heart failure and lung cancer are important to consider and treat. The combined results of symptoms (few/many), lung function and the amount of exacerbations make up the risk of future exacerbations and risk of death of any given patient.