[Management of COPD: a review].

COPD is an increasing health problem and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, associated with immense economic costs. With the recent understanding of the pathogenesis of COPD, primary preventions should provide the best hope to control the rise of this disease and smoking cessation remains the key area to address. The early use of spirometry for diagnosis is of importance, many patients are underdiagnosed until the disease is far advanced. For patients who have developed COPD, a variety of treatment options are available and much can be done to improve the well being of patients with COPD. A review of the management of COPD is presented.