Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Since the 1970s, therapeutic nihilism has moved towards a more optimistic attitude regarding therapeutic alternatives in COPD. Research focused on inflammatory and physiological mechanisms has substantially increased during the last 10 years. This has led to an increased understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, which has resulted in improved treatment. Thus, in parallel to smoking-cessation programmes, other treatment modalities have been shown to be successful. Physiotherapy and pha