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Nonpharmacological treatment and relief of symptoms in COPD

¹ Dept of Oncology, Haematology and Pneumology, University of Modena–Reggio Emilia, Modena, ² Villa Pineta Hospital, Pavullo, ³ Respiratory Intensive Care and Pulmonary Diseases Unit, Cardiothoracic Dept, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, and ⁴ Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Weaning Unit, Auxilium Vitae, Volterra, Italy.

CORRESPONDENCE: N. Ambrosino, Pulmonary Unit, Cardio-Thoracic Dept, University Hospital Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Cisanello, 56124 Pisa, Italy. Fax: 39 050996779. E-mail: n.ambrosino{at}ao-pisa.toscana.it

Keywords: Dyspnoea, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, nutrition, oxygen, rehabilitation, thoracic surgery

Received: October 11, 2007
Accepted February 12, 2008

Evidence-based guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have recently been developed.

Nonpharmacological treatments have evolved rapidly as an essential part of COPD therapy. They are especially important as complementary interventions in severe or very severe disease, when there is loss in function, a reduction in quality of life and when psychological impairments further complicate the disease.

The present article discusses the most used nonpharmacological treatments for severe COPD patients (rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy, surgery, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and supportive nutrition) and their evidence-based usefulness in promoting strategies that relieve symptoms.

All of these interventions are used during end-stage disease, to promote self-efficacy, relieve symptoms and prevent further deterioration. These therapeutic options support physicians and allied professionals in improving symptom management for their patients.

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