COPD Patient Education Information for Physicians

The following points should be addressed during patient visits:

• Smoking cessation is the single most effective - and cost effective - way in most people to reduce the risk of developing COPD and stop its progression
• Brief tobacco dependence counseling is effective and every tobacco user should be offered at least this treatment at every visit to a healthcare provider
• Several effective pharmacotherapies for tobacco dependence are available, and at least one of these medications should be added to counseling. Quit rates, with the use of nicotine replacement and bupropion approach 35-40%, in some studies.
• Reduction of total personal exposure to tobacco smoke, occupational dusts and chemicals, and indoor and outdoor air pollutants are important goals to prevent the onset and progression of COPD.
• All COPD patients benefit from exercise training programs, improving with respect to both exercise tolerance and symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue. In addition, deep breathing abdominal exercisesand airway clearance are crucial in maintaining respiratory capacity.
• Proper nutrition is another important aspect of the management of patients with COPD. Patients with severe disease often stop eating because of the effort involved and the lost of taste when using oxygen. Attention to this aspect of the management is as important as the pharmacotherapy for these people.
• Attention to effective drug delivery and training in inhaler technique is essential. COPD patients may have more problems in effective coordination and find it harder to use a simple Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) than do healthy volunteers or younger asthmatics.
• Non-adherence is common. Identify and address the causes. Build treatment programs that fit into the schedules and needs of these individuals.
• Prepare a written COPD action plan for home use. A sample of a COPD action plan is available for you to use with your patients. This easy-to-use action plan provides patients with common symptoms of a COPD exacerbation and instructions about how to manage these symptoms.
• Stress the importance of early recognition of COPD worsening, followed by prompt, early intervention.