Managementul terapeutic al bolii pulmonare obstructive cronice

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, irreversible disease, characterized by narrowing of the lungs’ airways. Frequently it is accompanied by dyspnoea and productive cough, due to the exaggerated sputum production. Smoking or exposure to other harmful particles are the most common causative factors. Adrenomimetic or anticholinergic bronchodilators are essential in the treatment of symptomatic COPD. They reduce symptoms, improve exercise tolerance and increase the quality of life. Maintenance treatment is performed in stages, and inhalation or inhibition of phosphodiesterase inhibitors may also be associated. The maintenance treatment aims to decrease the frequency and intensity of acute episodes. Severe exacerbations often require hospitalization, sometimes in the intensive care unit, with intensified treatment and respiratory and hemodynamic support. Many exacerbations are caused by infections, which is why antibiotics are a common practice in COPD patients. Pneumococcal vaccination and annual influenza vaccination are measures that should be applied in all COPD patients.