Clinical evidence: Stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

This review is taken from Issue 1 of Clinical Evidence , a new information resource for clinicians published by BMJ Publishing Group. The compendium will be updated and expanded every six months. Future issues of Clinical Evidence will cover respiratory stimulants, DNAse, α1 antitrypsin augmentation, and vaccination against influenza and streptococcus. #### Key messages Definition: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by airflow obstruction caused by chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both Emphysema is defined as abnormal permanent enlargement of the air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles, accompanied by destruction of their walls and without obvious fibrosis. Chronic bronchitis is defined as chronic cough, mucus production, or both, for at least three months for at least two successive years where other …