EC Microbiology

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is classified as a fatal disease, with a very high rate of morbidity and mortality. It is associated with acute exacerbations, so the patients are usually undergoing frequent hospitalizations and chronic therapy. Fortunately, the appropriate controlling of the disease has positive effects such as reducing the frequency, exacerbations, and improving the health overall.

Aim of the Work: In this review, we will outline the principles of assessment and management of patients with various severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, we discussed some aspects related to COPD management during Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods: A non-systematic, thorough search of the biomedical literature between 2010 and 2020 was conducted. All observational and interventional studies addressing chronic obstructive lung disease were screened.

Conclusion: Avoidance of triggers exposures, vaccines used for respiratory infections, drugs-using learning, exacerbation identification and management are all general measures considered correct for all patients with COPD. For patients who are suffering from intermittent increasing in dyspnea, the drug of choice in this case is short acting bronchodilators. The recommendation for patients who are at low risks of exacerbation and more symptomatic is a regular use of a long-acting bronchodilator with short-acting bronchodilator, prescribed as-needed for intermittent increases in dyspnea. In patients with mMRC ≥ 2, CAT score ≥ 10 and a ≥ 2 exacerbations per year with one or more hospitalization, the best initial treatment in this case is long-acting anticholinergic agent. Recommendations do not advise the patients with COPD to stop any medications they are regularly taking, including corticosteroid. If the patient admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19, using of nebulized medications should be avoided to reduce infectious spreading.

Keywords: COPD; Assessment; Pattern; Control; Management

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