International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) Guidelines: management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Prim Care Respir J. 2006 Feb;15(1):48-57. doi: 10.1016/j.pcrj.2005.11.003. Epub 2006 Jan 18.

Abstract

COPD is a common and under-diagnosed disease which is increasing in prevalence worldwide. A more aggressive and optimistic approach must be adopted towards its management in primary care. This IPCRG Guideline on the management of COPD in primary care is fully consistent with GOLD guidelines. It highlights the goals of COPD treatment and the need for spirometric testing to make the diagnosis. It covers the classification of the disease according to disease severity, non-pharmacologic therapy including smoking cessation, avoidance of risk factors, patient education, pharmacologic therapy including the use of oxygen treatment, the management of exacerbations, the role of pulmonary rehabilitation, and the need for monitoring and ongoing care for COPD patients.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bronchodilator Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Primary Health Care / standards*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Spirometry

Substances

  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Glucocorticoids