Comprehensive Review: COPD Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention

This document presents an executive summary and literature review of the Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as outlined in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2017 Report. It highlights key aspects such as the refined assessment of COPD, separating spirometric assessment from symptom evaluation, and proposes escalation strategies for pharmacological treatments based on ABCD groups derived from patient symptoms and exacerbation history. The review introduces the concept of de-escalation of therapy, comprehensively presents non-pharmacological therapies, and emphasizes the importance of managing co-morbid conditions in COPD patients. It covers definition, risk factors (including smoking and environmental exposures), diagnosis involving spirometry, symptom assessment, and prevention strategies including smoking cessation and vaccinations. The document further discusses pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for stable COPD, management of exacerbations, and the impact of co-morbidities like cardiovascular disease and anxiety on COPD.