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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management

Background:

❱ In the United States, tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD (75%), although exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role.

❱ In the developing world, indoor air quality is thought to play a larger role in the development and progression of COPD than it does in the United States.

❱ Chronic lower respiratory disease, primarily COPD, was the third leading cause of death in the United States in 2014.

❱ Almost 15.7 million Americans (6.4%) reported that they have been diagnosed with COPD. More than 50% of adults with low pulmonary function were not aware that they had COPD.

❱ COPD death rates are also higher among whites than among African Americans or persons of other races.

❱ Women had more COPD hospitalizations than men and more emergency department visits.

Our board Certified Clinical Pharmacist Practitioners

  • Evaluate and manage COPD based on clinical practice guidelines.

  • Recommend and individualize COPD management based on patient‐specific need.

  • Assess poor inhaler technique, poor medication adherence and other comorbidities.

  • Evaluate evidence that influences developing an individual plan, education and treatment goals for patient and family.

  • Formulate patient‐centered daily self-care plan for complex patients with COPD.

COPD Management and Prevention -

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  • Smoking Cessation and abstinence

  • Limit exposure to second hand smoke

  • Limit exposure to dusts, fumes and gases

  • Pharmacological treatment includes bronchodilators and corticosteroids

  • Supplemental oxygen therapy

  • Collaborative self-management

  • Surgery

Risks of COPD -

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease

Goals for successful management –

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  • Relieve and maintain control of COPD symptoms

  • Decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations

  • Prevent and treat COPD progression.

  • Maintain normal activity levels and improve exercise tolerance.

  • Monitor nutritional needs

  • Get vaccinated such as FLU and Pneumococcal vaccines.

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