GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT, AND PREVENTION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

2008 edition. Presented here are the findings and recommendations of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) expert panel. The GOLD Report provides information on the best-validated current concepts of COPD pathogenesis, management, and prevention strategies, with key citations from the scientific literature. The document includes chapters covering the definition and natural history of COPD, burden of disease, risk factors, pathology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology, and implementing guidelines in primary care. The heart of the document is a four-component program for the management of COPD, which includes:

• Assess and monitor disease
• Reduce risk factors
• Manage stable COPD
• Manage exacerbations