Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by progressive and not fully reversible airflow obstruction. It is a common condition in the UK; it is associated with smoking and becomes more prevalent with age. Symptoms of COPD, such as breathlessness and sputum production, are made worse by acute exacerbations. Such exacerbations may be associated with underlying infection, air pollution or poor medication compliance. Early identification of an exacerbation and appropriate treatment in the community may help avoid unnecessary hospital admission or at least reduce the length of inpatient stay. As well as treating exacerbations appropriately, it is essential that emphasis be placed on prevention, which should include good healthcare advice around smoking cessation, and appropriate disease management for patients diagnosed with COPD.
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