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NHLBIHIN

COPD Essentials for Physicians

Family physicians have an important role in diagnosing COPD, the fourth leading cause of death in the United States today. This laminated, handy bookmark sized reference tool provides primary care physicians with clear information on risk factors, symptoms, how to differentiate between COPD and asthma, and more. Early detection and effective treatment depend on accurate diagnosis.

COPD Essentials for Physicians. NIH Publication Number 06-5845. 2006. 1 sheet. 9 in. X 3.5 in. Color. English.

Item number
06-5845

Full text

Originally published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH Publication No. 06-5845). U.S. government work, public domain. Reproduced as archived reference, not current guidance.

WHAT YOU SAY

MAKES A DIFFERENCE

COPD mortality is rising; it’s now the third leading cause of death in the United States. But, early diagnosis and aggressive management can improve quality and length of life for patients.

LOOK for COPD in patients 40+ who have these risk factors:

  • Persistent cough or progressive dyspnea
  • Chronic cough or sputum production
  • Decline in level of activity
  • Shortness of breath with or without symptoms of cough or sputum production

TALK with symptomatic patients to learn more about a history of:

  • Smoking
  • Environmental or occupational exposure to irritants
  • Genetic factors

While COPD is more likely among former and current smokers, as many as one out of six Americans with COPD has never smoked.

COPD Learn More Breathe Better® is a trademark of HHS.

TEST or refer for spirometry to determine severity. Spirometry with bronchodilator testing may distinguish COPD from asthma.

A criterion for COPD diagnosis is a post-bronchodilator FEV /FVC < 0.7.

TREAT from the range of effective therapies, including recent advances. Pro-active treatment can improve quality of life for patients with COPD.

Self-Management Education and Smoking Cessation

Bronchodilators

Inhaled Corticosteroids

INCREASING SEVERITY Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Oxygen

Surgery

While 12 million Americans are diagnosed with COPD, research shows that many do not get optimal treatment.

NIH Publication No.

Another 12 million may have the disease

07-5845

and remain undiagnosed. Originally Printed

Sept 2006

Learn more at copd.nhlbi.nih.gov Reprinted Sept 2013

Archived page, reproduced from a 2006 copy. It is reference material, not current guidance.