Amid COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges with access to care for COPD patients

Research in Social & Administrative Pharmacy : RSAP
Ali Elbeddini, Yasamin Tayefehchamani

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammation in the lungs that causes obstruction in the airway, poor airflow, and irreversible loss of lung function. In clinical practice, comprehensive care for COPD patients includes the diagnosis using spirometry, clinical examination and comprehensive pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. The diagnosis is based on symptoms, dyspnea and lung function impairment and can be mild to very severe. Symptoms are examined using the COPD assessment test (CAT) score, and dyspnea grade are examined using a modified MRC from GOLD guidelines. When mild, the care includes self-management education, smoking cessation, lifestyle modifications, vaccination, and short-acting bronchodilators. Self-management education involves inhaler device training, breathing technique, early recognition of acute exacerbations and writing action plans. As the disease progresses, other care measures are added. These measures include the addition of long-acting inhaler therapies, pulmonary rehabilitation, oral therapies, oxygen and lung transplantation. During the final stages of COPD, patients receive end-of-life care (Bourbeau et al., 2019).1 The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 18, 2021·International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications·Aimee M LaytonSelim M Arcasoy
Apr 15, 2021·Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics·Davide ZellaMassimo Ciccozzi
Dec 4, 2021·Telemedicine Journal and E-health : the Official Journal of the American Telemedicine Association·Jatinderpreet SinghClare Liddy
Dec 4, 2021·Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine·Jennifer A SculleyJerry A Krishnan

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