Summary: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious health, social and economic problem worldwide. The number of all patients globally is estimated at approximately 380 million. Polish epidemiological studies indicate that there are approximately 2 million patients over 30 years of age in the country. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of premature mortality (WHO) in developed countries. Therefore, for over 50 years, methods of treating COPD that can prevent premature death have been sought. Of course, primary prevention of the disease, i.e. not smoking cigarettes and avoiding air pollution, is the best method to prevent premature mortality. The GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) guidelines play a huge role in more effective diagnosis and treatment of COPD, which are supplemented every year with the latest scientific discoveries and constitute guidelines for practitioners on how to diagnose and treat COPD patients in order to reduce the severity of disability and premature death. deaths and hospitalizations due to exacerbations. This review presents what COPD is and discusses the latest GOLD guidelines, with particular emphasis on new therapies that reduce the risk of exacerbations, hospitalizations and deaths. Two key studies, IMPACT and KRONOS, are discussed. Finally, attention was drawn to the need to personalize treatment and optimize the selection of inhalers for the treatment of COPD; the correct selection of an inhaler is a key element of effective therapy of this disease. While this article was being written, the GOLD 2024 Report was released, but the issues discussed in this article based on GOLD 2023 have not been modified in the latest GOLD 2024 Report.