Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious
public health problem. According to the World Health Organization, COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide, with approximately 2,75 million deaths yearly and a further increase in mortality predicted for the coming years. Since many patients with COPD exhibit progressive disability rather than immediate death, mortality data do not present a complete picture of the disease’s burden. In addition to the economic burden imposed on healthcare systems, a loss in health-related quality of life is seen in many patients. Therefore, appropriate therapies are necessary to deal with this disease.