The burden and impact of acute Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations can have a significant effect on the lives of patients living with this incurable pulmonary disease.
In a new educational video produced by AstraZeneca Innovating Respiratory Science (AIRS) Education Network, Neil Skolnick, MD, professor of family and community medicine and Sidney Kimmel College at Thomas Jefferson University explains that patients with acute COPD exacerbations are at high risk for a cumulative decline in lung function, are associated with an increased risk for subsequent cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease, and have an increased risk of mortality.
According to Dr. Skolnick, “Many patients under report exacerbations and remain untreated by physicians followed by exacerbations.” A global patient study reported that over 40% of patients did not take immediate action after a COPD exacerbation, which then leads to subsequent hospitalization and mortality. “In fact, 75% are not on appropriate therapy after an exacerbation,” stated Skolnick.
Physicians can help their patients by educating them on their burden and impact of COPD exacerbations by impressing upon these vulnerable patients the importance of taking action quickly. Additionally, healthcare teams should take a comprehensive history of exacerbations; learning which patients are at greatest risk for COPD exacerbation is the best factor in preventing them.
Check out the new video that was especially designed for physicians and their care teams to better understand the burden and impact of COPD exacerbations.
AstraZeneca is a proud Partner in Health of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians. Partners in Health is an online resource that contains links to organizations that provide patient education and high-value tools to support family physicians and their care teams deliver optimal front line care.