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