[Update on current care guidelines: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diagnosis and treatment]

Abstract

Despite increased awareness, COPD remains underdiagnosed. The cost/benefit of screening is unclear. In Finland COPD is diagnosed by postbronchodilator spirometry and national reference values. The most important issue in preventing COPD progression is smoking cessation. Regular pharmaceutical therapy is generally needed for moderate-very severe symptomatic disease, and includes combination of anticholinergic, beta-agonist, inhaled corticosteroid, and low dose teofylline. Antibiotics have possessed specific role in COPD over years. Non-invasive ventilation is considered during acute severe exacerbations. Rehabilitation/training should be more widely used both at the specialist level and primary care.