COPD on Primary Care Treatment (COOPT)

Inclusion Criteria: age between 30 and 75 years being a smoker or ex-smoker post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio is <88% of the predicted value in case of men or <89% of the predicted value in case of women post-bronchodilator FEV1>=40% and <90% of the predicted value subjects have a GP diagnosis of COPD or had increased cough, sputum and/or dyspnea on most days for 3 or more months a year, for at least the last 2 years able to provide a written informed consent expected to be able to comply with the study protocol able to communicate with the study personnel and to understand and read instructions females of childbearing potential should use an acceptable method for birth control Exclusion Criteria: a known history of intolerance or allergy for N-acetylcysteine or fluticason use of long-term oxygen therapy or expected to be in need of oxygen therapy within the next 3 years registered asthma, allergic rhinitis, and/or allergic eczema as an active problem in the GPs records within the last 12 months alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency cystic fibrosis active infection due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis status post-lobectomy clinically proven gastric or duodenal ulcer in the previous six months non-compensated severe chronic congestive heart failure life expectancy reduction (e.g. malignancies) evidence of illicit drug use or abuse of alcohol intake expected not to be compliant in taking medications in general being pregnant or giving breastfeeding not complying with the inclusion criteria