Early identification and intervention before the onset of symptomatic disease is the goal of management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).<sup>30 Ferguson G.T., Cherniack R.M. Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease N Engl J Med 1993 ;  328 : 1017-1022  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 79 Petty TL (ed): The National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP). Chest 113:123s–163s, 1998

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Most patients with COPD need pharmacologic therapy. The judicious use of appropriate medications in a stepwise fashion is the recommended approach to treating patients with COPD and can improve airflows and provide significant symptomatic relief.<sup>2 American Thoracic Society Statement: Standards for the diagnosis and care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1995 ;  152 (suppl) : 77-121

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 13 British Thoracic Society BTS guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The COPD guidelines group of the standards care committee of the BTS Thorax 1997 ;  52 (suppl) : 1-28

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 30 Ferguson G.T., Cherniack R.M. Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease N Engl J Med 1993 ;  328 : 1017-1022  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 92 Siafakas N.M., Vermeire P., Pride N.B. , e al. European Respiratory Society—consensus statement: Optimal assessment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Eur Respir J 1995 ;  8 : 1398-1420  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Patient response to treatment must be monitored and therapy should be customized for each individual.<sup>2 American Thoracic Society Statement: Standards for the diagnosis and care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1995 ;  152 (suppl) : 77-121

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 13 British Thoracic Society BTS guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The COPD guidelines group of the standards care committee of the BTS Thorax 1997 ;  52 (suppl) : 1-28

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 30 Ferguson G.T., Cherniack R.M. Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease N Engl J Med 1993 ;  328 : 1017-1022  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 92 Siafakas N.M., Vermeire P., Pride N.B. , e al. European Respiratory Society—consensus statement: Optimal assessment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Eur Respir J 1995 ;  8 : 1398-1420  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Part of any successful pharmacologic intervention is patient education, including information related to medication dosing and timing, expected medication benefits, and potential side effects. Collaborative self management allows a well-educated patient to participate actively in his or her medical care. Anticipated outcomes from education include increased compliance with medication usage, earlier intervention during exacerbations, and, potentially, reduced health care costs owing to improved stability of disease.