摘要
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）, one of the most common public health problemsworldwide, is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. In China, respiratory diseases （of which COPD is a major component） are the third leading cause of death in rural areas and the fourth leading cause of death in urban area, accounting for 1 million deaths and over 5 million disabilities each year. COPD ranks first among the burdens in China.1 Hence, medical workers and governments at different levels pay close attention to this disease~ The Respiratory Group under the Chinese Medical Association published the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of COPD in 2002^2 and the revised version in 2007^3. This publication serves as a milestone of the development of basic and clinical investigation in China. The guidelines are likely to affect the way for the treatment of COPD in addition to reflect the current knowledge about the underlying causes of COPD and recommend the proper diagnosis and management of COPD.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）, one of the most common public health problemsworldwide, is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. In China, respiratory diseases （of which COPD is a major component） are the third leading cause of death in rural areas and the fourth leading cause of death in urban area, accounting for 1 million deaths and over 5 million disabilities each year. COPD ranks first among the burdens in China.1 Hence, medical workers and governments at different levels pay close attention to this disease~ The Respiratory Group under the Chinese Medical Association published the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of COPD in 2002^2 and the revised version in 2007^3. This publication serves as a milestone of the development of basic and clinical investigation in China. The guidelines are likely to affect the way for the treatment of COPD in addition to reflect the current knowledge about the underlying causes of COPD and recommend the proper diagnosis and management of COPD.
