COPD Management in the Primary Care Setting.

The article discusses the role of primary care providers (PCPs) in the diagnosis, assessment, monitoring, and management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Topics include the diagnosis of COPD, the assessment of airflow limitation, as well as the assessment of the symptoms and exacerbations of COPD. The consideration of nonpharmacologic interventions, including smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, as important features of COPD management is tackled.