CCFP 105 Topics: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Written/Researched By: Khash Farzam Peer Review By: Caleb Dusdal Objective One: In all patients presenting with symptoms of prolonged or recurrent cough, dyspnea, or decreased exercise tolerance, especially those who also have a significant smoking history, suspect the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective Two: When the diagnosis of COPD is suspected, seek confirmation with pulmonary function studies (e.g., FEV1). Objective Three: In patients with COPD, use pulmonary function tests periodically to document disease progression. Objective Four: Encourage smoking cessation in all patients diagnosed with COPD. Objective Five: Offer appropriate vaccinations to patients diagnosed with COPD (e.g., influenza/pneumococcal vaccination). Objective Six: In an apparently stable patient with COPD, offer appropriate inhaled medication for treatment (e.g., anticholinergics/bronchodilators if condition is reversible, steroid trial). Objective Seven: Refer appropriate patients with COPD to other health professionals (e.g., a respiratory technician or pulmonary rehabilitation personnel) to enhance quality of life. Objective Eight: When treating patients with acute exacerbations of COPD, rule out co-morbidities (e.g., myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, systemic infections, anemia). Objective Nine: In patients with end-stage COPD, especially those who are currently stable, discuss, document, and periodically re-evaluate wishes about aggressive treatment interventions.