Understanding the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations on patient health and quality of life

John R. Hurst, Neil Skolnik, Gerald J. Hansen, Antonio Anzueto, Gavin C. Donaldson, Mark T. Dransfield, Precil Varghese

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represent a significant clinical problem, and are associated with decreased lung function, worsening quality of life and decreased physical activity levels, with even a single exacerbation having detrimental effects. The occurrence of COPD exacerbations can also have a considerable impact on healthcare costs and mortality rates, with over one-fifth of patients hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation for the first time dying within one year of discharge. This highlights the need for COPD exacerbations to be a major focus in clinical practice. Furthermore, the substantial effect that COPD exacerbations can have on patient mental health should not be underestimated. Despite their clinical importance, COPD exacerbations are poorly recognized and reported by patients, and improving patient understanding and reporting of exacerbations to ensure prompt treatment may minimize their deleterious effects. Renewed focus on improving current clinical practice with support from evidence-based guidelines is required. This also raises a challenge to payors, healthcare systems and government policies to do more to tackle the considerable outstanding burden of COPD exacerbations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Journal of Internal Medicine
Volume73
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Comorbidity
  • Mental health
  • Mortality
  • Physical functional performance
  • Quality of life
  • Respiratory function tests

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Understanding the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations on patient health and quality of life'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this