Gold Guidelines for COPD-An Update on COPD Management

Abstract

The GOLD guidelines for COPD was initiated to achieve an effective pharmacotherapy,delay the progression of disease, prevent the occurrence of exacerbations and obtain a better patient outcome. It is updated on a regular basis and the recent edition has been published in 2021, which provides evidence-based recommendations from several healthcare bodies. Compared to the previous years, there are some changes in the GOLD report of  2021, however most of the features still remain the same. Assessment of COPD based on spirometry, presence of symptoms, risk of exacerbations, and presence of co-morbidities remains to be essential in the new report and long-acting bronchodilators continue to be the main mode of pharmacotherapy.Initial therapy should include both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approach and special importance is given to smoking cessation programmes. Pulmonary rehabilitation programme should be taken for maintaining a stable life style and special importance is given on vaccinations. Risk factors like inhalation of noxious particles, exposure to biomass fuel and smoking should be carefully identified and avoided as much as possible. Based on the current pandemic situation, a special chapter on COPD and COVID-19 has also been provided.