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The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Korea is reported to be 17.5% in aged over 45 years. The
overall approach should be individualized and dependent upon the severity of the disease and clinical status of the patient.
Objectives of COPD treatment are improvement of airflow obstruction, prevention and management of co-morbidity and complication
of COPD and upgrading in the quality of life. Pharmacologic therapy includes bronchodilators such as beta-2 agonists, anticholinergic
and theophylline. Another key pharmacologic agent is glucocorticosteroid which reduces acute exaceerbation and inflammatory
burden in COPD airways. Non-pharmacologic management is not less important. Education including smoking cessation,
rehabilitation, home oxygen therapy along with appropriate vaccination. More importantly, doctor-patient-patron relationship
plays a central role in long-term management of COPD. (Korean J Med 77:422-428, 2009) |
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