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(Chest. 2000;117:325S.)
© 2000 American College of Chest Physicians

Introduction*

Norbert F. Voelkel, MD

* From Pulmonary Sciences & Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Health Science Center, Denver, CO.

Correspondence to: Norbert F. Voelkel, MD, Pulmonary Sciences & Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Health Science Center, 4200 E Ninth Ave, C272, Denver, CO 80262; e-mail: norbert.voelkel{at}uchsc.edu


   Introduction
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 Introduction
References
 
According to the definition of the European Respiratory Society,1 COPD is a "disorder characterized by reduced maximum expiratory flow and slow forced emptying of the lungs." These features do not change markedly over time, and airflow limitation is slowly progressive and irreversible.

The articles contained within this supplement represent the outcome of a 2-day workshop entitled "COPD: Working Towards a Greater Understanding," which was held in Aspen, CO, in June 1999, immediately following the Thomas L. Petty Lung Conference. The workshop brought together a group of leading respiratory experts from the United States and Europe to discuss important issues surrounding the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of COPD.

COPD is the most common lung disease, affecting almost 16 million people in the United States, and mortality is rising. Despite the scope of the problem, public awareness of COPD is much lower than for other lung diseases. Furthermore, COPD is substantially underdiagnosed in the primary-care setting. A clear message arising from the workshop emphasized the need to increase awareness and understanding of COPD among primary-care physicians and other health-care providers, as well as among the patients themselves.

The slow and progressive nature of the disease means there can be significant and irreversible loss of lung function before symptoms appear. Early detection and intervention are therefore essential if the decline in lung function is to be slowed or halted. Participants in the workshop were asked to evaluate the scale of the problem posed by COPD and, from an epidemiologic and economic standpoint, to consider ways in which awareness of COPD can be increased in the health-care community.

In addition to addressing the educational challenges surrounding COPD, the workshop also examined the current understanding of COPD exacerbations. The participants explored and discussed the problems associated with the lack of a uniform or standardized definition for an exacerbation of COPD. Initial steps were taken in moving toward a consensus definition of COPD exacerbations by identifying, and quantifying by severity and duration, the characteristics generally associated with them. An operational definition was proposed by the group, and is now presented for review and debate among the wider respiratory community.

The ideas and recommendations emerging from this workshop provide a starting point to stimulate the debate on how best to promote awareness of COPD, particularly in the primary-care setting. They also provide a focus for initiatives to ensure that "the other lung disease" receives the attention among the medical profession, public health officials, and the general public. Such initiatives are essential if the global burden of COPD is to be mitigated.


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 References
 

  1. Siafakas, NM, Vermeire, P, Pride, NB, et al (1995) Optimal assessment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Eur Respir J 8,1398-1420[CrossRef][ISI][Medline]




This Article
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Right arrow Articles by Voelkel, N. F.
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Right arrow Articles by Voelkel, N. F.

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