COPD - GOLD criteria

Q: As per GOLD criteria, the definition of COPD requires airflow obstruction to be? - select one

A) Intermittent

B) Persistence

C) Progressive

Answer: B

As per The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the World Health Organization (WHO), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is defined as a "heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, expectoration, exacerbations) due to abnormalities of the airway (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction."

If airflow is intermittent (choice A), it does not meet the criteria for COPD. Also, it does not need to be, though it can be progressive (choice C). 

In summary, the three pillars of the diagnosis of COPD are:

• pulmonary symptoms 
• clinical context 
• Persistent airflow limitation despite acute bronchodilator treatment

#pulmonary

References:

1. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: 2025 Report. www.goldcopd.org (Accessed on January 8, 2026).

2. Agustí A, Celli BR, Criner GJ, et al. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 Report: GOLD Executive Summary. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 207:819.