Diagnosis and general approaches to the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

We consider the causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the stages of its development with concomitant diseases, methods for its diagnosis and treatment. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a total chronic disease of the human respiratory system. The process of formation of pathological changes in the lungs is primarily associated with the impact of harmful chemicals – tobacco and smoke on the epithelium of the respiratory tract. The increase in life expectancy in recent decades allows most people to reach the age of high probability of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related pathologies. According to various sources, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is in third or fourth place among the causes of death. The purpose of this review is to systematize practical methods for diagnosing and treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on an outpatient basis. Materials and methods. The research methods involve the systematization of materials describing the identified problem, the collection and classification of medical facts about it, the assessment of existing scientific and practical approaches to solving the problem under consideration. Results. The prognosis for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in terms of complete recovery and increased life expectancy is generally unfavorable. Therefore, it is important to take into account all the possibilities to eliminate any factors provoking deterioration of the condition, the patient's readiness for treatment, as well as the social and economic conditions of his residence. Conclusion. Treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is determined by the severity of the obstruction, symptoms, and the risk of exacerbation with escalation of therapy to control persistent symptoms or further exacerbations. The severity of an exacerbation varies according to the site of treatment: moderate exacerbations are treated on an outpatient basis with oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, or both, and severe exacerbations require hospitalization or emergency care.