Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Hanna Wolf; Ewa Jassem

Vol 2, No 3 (2003): Polish Palliative Medicine

Artykuły poglądowe

Published online: 2003-05-29

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Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Hanna Wolf, Ewa Jassem

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2003;2(3):175-182.

Vol 2, No 3 (2003): Polish Palliative Medicine

Artykuły poglądowe

Published online: 2003-05-29

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Spirometry is the test of choice in the classification of COPD. The disease is characterized by chronic inflammation and airways obstruction. Severe stage of the disease is associated with remodeling of the bronchi’s and presents with dyspnea, cough and usually increased sputum production (purulent at exacerbation). Advanced COPD often results in the pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. The most effective management of COPD includes smoking cessation, whereas the pharmacological treatment may only palliate symptoms and improve a quality of life. Long oxygen treatment is necessary in a large proportion of patients with severe COPD. Recently surgical lung volume reduction and lung transplantation were introduced, however they are still not considered a standard therapy.