Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly during respiratory infections such as influenza. The interaction between COPD and influenza is multifaceted, involving compromised immune responses, chronic inflammation, and impaired lung function. Influenza infection can exacerbate COPD, leading to acute exacerbations, hospitalisations, and higher mortality. This review examines the pathophysiological
mechanisms underlying the exacerbation of COPD by influenza, evaluates its impact on patient outcomes, and explores the role of comorbidities in shaping disease severity. We also assess the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing severe outcomes and discuss strategies to improve vaccination uptake
among COPD patients. Current evidence highlights the importance of tailored prevention and management approaches, as well as the need for further research into biomarkers and optimal therapeutic strategies to mitigate the burden of influenza on COPD populations.
COPD
Inhaler Therapy for COPD-An individualised approach to inhaler selection
Inhaler Therapy for COPD An individualised approach to inhaler selection
Adherence and inhaler satisfaction together predict improved health outcomes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Assessment of a patient’s co-ordination and inspiratory flow patterns should guide selection of inhaler devices. Adherence and device technique should be assessed regularly and before changing a patient’s therapy. Patients should use only one type of device for all of their inhaled therapies, where possible.
Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2022
COPD Exacerbations A hearty opportunity
COPD Exacerbations A hearty opportunity
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are common and are times of physiological stress resulting in heightened cardiovascular risk in individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease. COPD exacerbations can reveal cardiovascular disease and are an opportunity for cardiovascular risk assessment . COPD exacerbations are opportunities to make a difference to both pulmonary and cardiac outcomes.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Asthma, COPD and When They Coexist
Asthma, COPD and When They Coexist
Asthma and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) are umbrella terms that describe disorders of the airways with diverse inflammatory pathways and pathophysiology. Recent advances in the understanding of the immunopathology of asthma have led to the emergence of biological agents that more precisely target disease pathways but will require a more precise understanding of those dysfunctional pathways. There are areas where the pathology and expression of airways disease in asthma and COPD overlap. The overlap between asthma and COPD presents important challenges in diagnosis as well as management.
Modern Medicine – Oct/Nov 2018
Asthma – COPD Overlap Syndrome | A merger of 2 distinct spectrums of inflammatory airway diseases
Most practising doctors are familiar with the diseases of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Within the cohort of these two disease entities, there are patients that do not completely satisfy the criteria to be diagnosed convincingly as either asthma or COPD. While the semantics of these diseases are far more important for research purposes than the diagnostic dilemma they pose, there have been several advances in both asthma and COPD that make the distinction or recognition of an asthma COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS) as a clinical entity more pertinent.
Modern Medicine – September 2016
Putting COPD Medications into Perspective
Putting COPD Medications into Perspective – MM1601
Over the past few years, new drugs have been added to the bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids used for treating COPD. There is no strong evidence to say that one drug within a class is better than another and the decision about which drugs to use is mainly about patient preference, although multiple drugs from the same class should not be used in the same patient.
Modern Medicine – January 2016
Correct Medication Vital to Successful Treatment of COPD
Correct Medication Vital to Successful Treatment of COPD – MM1407
Analysis of data from the PATHOS study shows that COPD patients treated with a fixed combination of budesonide/formoterol are significantly less likely to suffer from COPD related flare-ups, less likely to be hospitalised for COPD and less likely to contract pneumonia.
Modern Medicine – July 2014
Managing Severe COPD: Much can be Done
Managing Severe COPD: Much can be Done – MM1404
Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be challenging to manage, as patients often experience debilitating symptoms that fail to respond completely to disease-specific treatment.
Modern Medicine – April 2014
Does my Patient Have COPD, and Does it Matter?
Does my Patient Have COPD, and Does it Matter? – MM1403
Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain undiagnosed, even by doctors they consult regularly, until they have advanced stages of the disease.
Modern Medicine – March 2014
Optimising Function in COPD: Physical Activity and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Optimising Function in COPD: Physical Activity and Pulmonary Rehabilitation – MM1402
National and international guidelines strongly endorse the benefits of physical activity and exercise training via pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD.
Modern Medicine – February 2014
