Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

This chapter discusses the case of a 70-year-old man with his first presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This case is used as a basis to explore and describe the diagnosis, investigation, and management of this condition. The chapter includes the evidence base and relative guidelines that support current practice, as well as highlighting useful learning points and providing expert opinion. The role of lung volume reduction surgery is discussed, and its potential benefits in selected patients highlighted. Phenotypic variability within chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is increasingly recognized, and this is discussed, including the implications on current management and future research.