European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

B. Bhanu Prasad Reddy*, Dr. D. Hepcy Kalarani, Dr. P. Venkatesh, Dr. R. Prema

ABSTRACT

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results in high morbidity and mortality among patients both domestically and globally. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for different types of COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a highly prevalent disease characterized by non reversible airway obstruction. Well characterized symptoms such as exertional dyspnea and fatigue have a negative impact on patient’s quality of life and restrict physical activity in daily life. The impact of COPD symptoms on quality of life is often underestimated; for example, 36% of patients who describe their symptoms as being mild to moderate also admit to being to breathless to leave the house. Additionally, early morning and nighttime symptoms are a particular problem. Methods are available to allow clinicians to accurately assess COPD symptoms, including patient questionnaires. Integrated approaches to COPD management, particularly pulmonary rehabilitation, are effective strategies for addressing symptoms, improving exercise capacity and potentially also increasing physical activity. Inhaled bronchodilators continue to be the mainstay of drug therapy in COPD, where options can be tailored to meet patient’s needs with careful selection of the inhaled mediation and the device used for its delivery. Overall, an integrated approach to disease management should be considered for improving quality of life and subsequent patient outcomes in COPD.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients, physical activity levels, pulmonary rehabilitation.