COPD‐X Australian guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 2022 update. Issue 8 (18th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dabscheck, Eli; George, Johnson; Hermann, Kelcie; McDonald, Christine F; McDonald, Vanessa M; McNamara, Renae; O'Brien, Mearon; Smith, Brian; Zwar, Nicholas A; Yang, Ian A
• Is Part Of: Medical journal of Australia. Volume 217:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 415
• Page End: 423
• Publication Date: 2022-09-18
• Subjects: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- Guidelines as topic; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Médecine -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodical; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610
• DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51708
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-729X

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a treatable and preventable disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and chronic airflow limitation on spirometry. COPD is highly prevalent and is associated with exacerbations and comorbid conditions. "COPD‐X" provides quarterly updates in COPD care and is published by the Lung Foundation Australia and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Main recommendations: The COPD‐X guidelines (version 2.65) encompass 26 recommendations addressing: case finding and confirming diagnosis; optimising function; preventing deterioration; developing a plan of care; and managing an exacerbation. Changes in management as a result of these guidelines: Both non‐pharmacological and pharmacological strategies are included within these recommendations, reflecting the importance of a holistic approach to clinical care for people living with COPD to delay disease progression, optimise quality of life and ensure best practice care in the community and hospital settings when managing exacerbations. Several of the new recommendations, if put into practice in the appropriate circumstances, and notwithstanding known variations in the social determinants of health, could improve quality of life and reduce exacerbations, hospitalisations and mortality for people living with COPD.