Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Current Care Summary
Working group appointed by the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim and the Finnish Respiratory Society
21.11.2019

Current Care Guideline «Keuhkoahtaumatauti»1 and Summary «Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)»2 in Finnish

COPD diagnosis is based on exposure to hazards, symptoms and spirometry, where the ratio of the forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) is < 0.7 after bronchodilation. The clinical severity of COPD is assessed by means of FEV1 -based Z-values, symptoms and exacerbations. Symptoms can be assessed by respiratory questionnaires. Smoking cessation and physical activity are important treatment options. Pharmacological treatment is determined by symptoms, risk of exacerbations and co-occurrence of asthma features (ACO). Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is recommended in the treatment of severe hypercapnic exacerbations. Palliative treatment of end stage COPD is included in the guidelines.

Terttu Harju (Chair)

Hannu Kankaanranta

Milla Katajisto

Maritta Kilpeläinen

Lauri Lehtimäki

Juho Lehto

Witold Mazur

Tuula Meinander