Pricing
Sign in

COPD

Pulmonary · ~9% of blueprint
Pathophysiology
Chronic airflow limitation from emphysema (alveolar destruction) and/or chronic bronchitis; usually smoking-related.
Signs & Symptoms
Chronic productive cough, progressive dyspnea, barrel chest, prolonged expiration, ↓ breath sounds.
Gold Standard Diagnosis
Spirometry: post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.70 (airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible).
First-line Treatment
Smoking cessation + inhaled bronchodilators (LAMA/LABA); add ICS for frequent exacerbations; O₂ if hypoxemic.
Drug cardsTiotropiumIpratropiumSalmeterolFluticasoneAlbuterol
High-Yield Pearl

Mortality in COPD falls with smoking cessation, O₂ (PaO₂ ≤55), post-hospital pulmonary rehab, NIV, LVRS, and triple LABA/LAMA/ICS.

Practice this

2 Prep Rounds questionsFlashcards

Learn it in your courses

Sources

Reviewed September 2026
  1. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2026 Report — Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), 2026

Checked against the guideline or standard reference the exam keys to. If it has moved, use Report an error below.

More Pulmonary conditions

Got your lecture on COPD? Turn it into flashcards and board-style questions, free. Drop it on the home page

All Pulmonary