Table 1.

Stable COPD classification and current pharmacologic therapies according to the disease severity¹

	COPD stage I FEV1%pred > 80% FEV1/FVC < 70%	COPD stage II FEV1%pred 50%–80% FEV1/FVC < 70%	COPD stage III FEV1%pred < 50% FEV1/FVC < 70%	COPD stage IV FEV1%pred < 30% or FEV%pred 30%–50% and chronic respiratory failure
Inhaled medications
Short-acting bronchodilators	→rescue use←
β2 agonists anticholinergics
Long-acting bronchodilators		→regular therapy←
β2 agonists anticholinergics
Inhaled corticosteroids			→regular therapy←

Notes: www.goldcopd.com The GOLD Workshop Report (Updated 2008): Global strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.