Phases II and III will focus on family physicians and patients. The impact of COPD on a global scale is immense. We believe that the GOLD initiative will further these goals. They also emphasise that good management involves the assessment of both symptoms and lung function, rather than one or the other alone. The GOLD report also sets forth a formal system of four categories of severity of the disease and provides practical recommendations on the reduction of risk factors, management of stable COPD, and of COPD exacerbations.
Guidelines are often unrealistic and difficult to apply.
COPD is characterised by reduced airflow that is not fully reversible. Airflow limitation is usually both progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. Symptoms range from a cough and sputum production in those 'at risk' to respiratory or heart failure in those with severe disease. No part of this publication may be redistributed in any form without prior permission. Terms and conditions for users .