ABSTRACT
SUMMARY: GOLD PROPOSALS (2003) FOR COPD DRUG THERAPY (Figure 5.1)
• The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) strategy proposes a stepwise approach to pharmacological management of chronic COPD1,2; the incremental steps in treatment correspond to stages of increasing severity of COPD, as
defined by symptoms and signs together with spirometry evaluation. Since COPD is usually progressive, the ‘step-down’ approach used in treatment of asthma is not usually applicable in COPD. The responses to treatment of individual patients are variable, and all patients with COPD should be monitored regularly with time.
