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RT for Decision Makers in Respiratory Care
RX for COPD
Craig Rosebrock, MD, and James Donohue, MD
RT for Decision Makers in Respiratory Care
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory-linked condition associated with airflow limitations to the lung tissue of a patient. Numerous disease states can be linked to the condition including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and triggers associated with the presence of inflammatory inhalants. Epidemiologically, the strongest causative factor in COPD globally is cigarette smoke (Lopez, 2006). The authors present the prescription pharmacological factors associated with COPD treatment focusing on clinical pharmacology, clinical data and meta-analysis data to demonstrate treatment...
The primary recommendation for COPD management is cessation of smoking and avoidance of tobacco and nuisance particles. Following a discussion of smoking cessation, the authors discuss the types and use of pharmacotherapy in treating COPD.
Table 1 within the publication describes the recommendations for managing COPD with pharmacological approaches. The diagnosis depends on the determination of the Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second or FEV1 divided by the Forced Vital Capacity or FVC.
STEPWISE APPROACH TO THE PHARMACOLOGIC Management OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE AND THE POSITION OF BRONCHODILATORS
Severity Spirometric Findings Pharmacologic Intervention
Stage I: mild FEV1/FVC
References
Lopez AD, Mathers CD, Ezzati M, Jamison DT, Murray CJL, eds. (2006) Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors. New York: Oxford University Press; Washington, DC: The World Bank.
Issue Stories
RT: For Decision Makers in Respiratory Care - May 2008
RX for COPD
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