Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management - update information
Publication year: 2010
This guideline covers diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) in people aged 16 and older. It aims to help people with COPD to receive a diagnosis earlier so that they can benefit from treatments to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and keep them healthy for longer. This guideline provides recommendations for inhaled triple therapy for stable COPD; systemic corticosteroids for managing exacerbations; diagnosing COPD using symptoms, spirometry and other tests; managing stable COPD using nebulisers, oral therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation; multidisciplinary management of stable COPD, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition and palliative care; and managing exacerbations of COPD in primary care and in hospital. This guideline can be used by Healthcare professionals; Commissioners and providers; and People with COPD and their families and carers.