Jadwiga A. Wedzicha, M.D. N Engl J Med 2011; 364:1167-1168, March 24, 2011
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive airway inflammatory condition that is associated with accelerated decline of lung function and is characterized by worsening dyspnea with episodes of increased number and severity of symptoms, termed exacerbations.1
The main objectives of managing COPD are a reduction in the severity of symptoms and the prevention of exacerbations.2 Bronchodilator therapy is central to the management of COPD; this treatment produces modest increases in lung function as measured by spirometry and a reduction in the dynamic hyperinflation that leads to the dyspnea of COPD.3 Patients with COPD often present to their physician with . . .
