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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.

❱ COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the world; projected to be the 3rd leading cause by 2020 -public health challenge.

❱ 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.

❱ Wide-spread under-recognition and under-diagnosis. It is preventable and treatable disease.

❱ 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 improve medication adherence for patients with chronic disease.

  • Recommend and individualize patient outcome goals based on affordability and efficiency.

  • Employ patient‐centered and team based care for complex patients with adherence and compliance issues.

  • Utilize motivational interview and encourage patients to self-manage while acknowledging the challenges.

  • Improve star ratings rely on medication adherence in chronic conditions such as Diabetes, High blood pressure, Hypercholesterolemia, Osteoporosis and so on.

COPD Management and Prevention -

  • 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 –

. 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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