Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Diagnosis and staging
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AUTHORS: MeiLan King Han, MD, MS, Mark T Dransfield, MD, Fernando J Martinez, MD, MS
SECTION EDITOR: James K Stoller, MD, MS
DEPUTY EDITORS: Zehra Hussain, MD, FACP, Paul Dieffenbach, MD
Literature review current through: Mar 2025.
This topic last updated: Jan 31, 2025.
INTRODUCTION
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition characterized by cough, dyspnea, and airflow
limitation [1]. Approximately 10 percent of individuals aged 40 years or older have COPD, although the prevalence varies between
countries and increases with age [1-4]. COPD is consistently ranked among the top causes of death in the United States, killing more
than 120,000 individuals each year [5,6]; prior to the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, it was the third leading cause
worldwide [7]. As a consequence of its high prevalence and chronicity, COPD causes high resource utilization with frequent clinician
office visits, multiple hospitalizations due to acute exacerbations, and the need for chronic therapy [8].
Establishing a correct diagnosis of COPD is important because appropriate management can decrease symptoms (especially dyspnea),
reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, improve health status, improve exercise capacity, and prolong survival [9]. Many
health conditions in older adults can result in dyspnea or cough, so respiratory symptoms should not be attributed to COPD without
appropriate evaluation and diagnosis.
The definition, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and staging of COPD are discussed here. The risk factors, natural history,
prognosis, and treatment of COPD are discussed separately.
● (See "Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Risk factors and risk reduction".)
● (See "Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Prognostic factors and comorbid conditions".)
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