The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) have agreed on diagnostic criteria for COPD, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment. The new guidelines will help reduce the number of undiagnosed cases and promote the use of spirometry tests.
The UN has pledged to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects 480 million people worldwide. Inhaled medicines can reduce health and economic costs associated with COPD, but only 7% of pharmacies in low- and middle-income countries currently offer them.
World COPD Day on November 19 highlights the significance of correctly diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) earlier. Up to 70% of adults with COPD remain undiagnosed, leading to poorer quality of life and health outcomes. Active case finding through spirometry can improve diagnosis and treatment.