Early identification and intervention before the onset of symptomatic disea
se is the goal of management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD
).(30, 79) Most patients with COPD need pharmacologic therapy. The judiciou
s use of appropriate medications in a stepwise fashion is the recommended a
pproach to treating patients with COPD and can improve airflows and provide
significant symptomatic relief. (2,) (13, 30, 92) Patient response to trea
tment must be monitored and therapy should be customized for each individua
l.(2,) (13,) (30, 92) Part of any successful pharmacologic intervention is
patient education, including information related to medication dosing and t
iming, expected medication benefits, and potential side effects. Collaborat
ive self management allows a well-educated patient to participate actively
in his or her medical care. Anticipated outcomes from education include inc
reased compliance with medication usage, earlier intervention during exacer
bations, and, potentially, reduced health care costs owing to improved stab
ility of disease.