| | Definition Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a common, treatable although incurable disease, is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases (GOLD, 2014). COPD is associated with mental and physical comorbidities such as depression, muscle wasting and heart failure (Zhang, 2013). Symptoms are chronic and progressive dyspnea, cough and sputum production.
Why COPD? - COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States (CDC, 2011a).
- The incidence of COPD is climbing as the population ages.
- 24 million Americans are estimated to have COPD (Hersh,2010)
- Common comorbidity for home care patients
How to Use These Resources: Start with the training program, Clinical Conditions & Symptom Management: COPD, which offers an overview of resources available through the Heart Failure best practice topic area.
To explore other available resources, critical interventions and measurement and evaluation tools, click on the boxes above. |