An overview of prescribing practice and non-pharmacological treatments in COPD

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common heterogenous disease with significant personal implications, responsible for substantial healthcare costs. The goal of treatment and management in COPD is to control symptoms, and reduce risk and frequency of exacerbations and hospitalisations using a patient-centred approach. This article summarises the main current pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical management strategies in COPD, drawing on contemporaneous clinical guidelines and evidence, and highlight how emerging COPD endotypes and phenotypes are enhancing our understanding. An overview of inhaled medications, the mainstay of COPD treatment, is discussed, as well as the significance of device selection related to personal and physical considerations. Acute and long-term treatment and the criteria for specialist referral and medical management in complex patients is also presented.