[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Several meetings of chest specialists were held in order to update basic knowledge on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to establish guidelines regarding its prevention and treatment. This Consensus was prompted by the important morbidity and mortality due to COPD. Pulmonary emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma may evolve into COPD when developing chronic, persistent, non reversible airflow obstruction. Its pathologic features, physiopathology, pulmonary function derangements and clinico-radiological picture are summarized. Early detection and prevention accomplished through smoking cessation are essential to stop health damage due to this condition. Strategies directed to smoking cessation are described. Once COPD is established, inhaled bronchodilators (IB)--anticholinergics, beta-2 agonists or both--might be useful. Teophylline is indicated additionally when no improvement is obtained with IB. Inhaled steroids (IE) may stop progression of airways obstruction; they are recommended in patients who remain symttomatic and/or with severe airflow obstruction (FEV1 less than 50% predicted) despite treatment with beta-2 adrenergics and teophylline. Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia is suggested. Other medications (antibiotics, psychoactive drugs, alpha-1 antitrypsine, respiratory stimulants) or surgical interventions, including lung transplantation, might be of help in certain circumstances. In patients with physiotherapy, supplementary nutrition, muscle retraining, prolonged oxygen therapy and, eventually, noninvasive mechanical ventilation might improve survival and quality of life. Acute decompensations leading to respiratory failure should be promptly detected and treated with oxygen, IB, teophylline, corticosteroids, antibiotics and, eventually, mechanical ventilation. The main role of public education in disease prevention is emphasized. Moreover, patient and family education is essential for adequate treatment of COPD.