Nonpharmacological treatment and relief of symptoms in COPD
Open Access
- 5 March 2008
- journal article
- review article
- Published by European Respiratory Society (ERS) in European Respiratory Journal
- Vol. 32 (1), 218-228
- https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00134007
Abstract
Evidence-based guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have recently been developed. Nonpharmacological treatments have evolved rapidly as an essential part of COPD therapy. They are especially important as complementary interventions in severe or very severe disease, when there is loss in function, a reduction in quality of life and when psychological impairments further complicate the disease. The present article discusses the most used nonpharmacological treatments for severe COPD patients (rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy, surgery, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and supportive nutrition) and their evidence-based usefulness in promoting strategies that relieve symptoms. All of these interventions are used during end-stage disease, to promote self-efficacy, relieve symptoms and prevent further deterioration. These therapeutic options support physicians and allied professionals in improving symptom management for their patients.Keywords
This publication has 100 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Effect of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ExacerbationsAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2008
- Effect of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery on Resting Pulmonary Hemodynamics in Severe EmphysemaAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2007
- End-of-life decision-making in respiratory intermediate care units: a European surveyEuropean Respiratory Journal, 2007
- Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in critical and palliative care settings: Understanding the goals of therapy*Critical Care Medicine, 2007
- Regular physical activity reduces hospital admission and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a population based cohort studyThorax, 2006
- Long-term Oxygen Treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Recommendations for Future ResearchAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2006
- Lung Transplantation: Current Status and ChallengesTransplantation, 2006
- Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation reverses acute respiratory failure in select “do-not-intubate” patientsCritical Care Medicine, 2005
- Noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute hypercapnic exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who refused endotracheal intubationCritical Care Medicine, 2004
- Effect of Hypophosphatemia on Diaphragmatic Contractility in Patients with Acute Respiratory FailureNew England Journal of Medicine, 1985