Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Exacerbations
Our global survey – carried out almost a decade after the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) published its first consensus report on the diagnosis, management and prevention of COPD – has shown that exacerbations remain a major burden to COPD patients and their families, and put a considerable demand on healthcare services. Furthermore, exacerbations may be more common in a 'real-world' COPD population compared with those in clinical trials.
Our survey has also shown that there is a mismatch between patient perceptions of COPD and the reality of their frequent exacerbations, impaired quality of life and fears for the future. In addition, a high proportion of patients were unaware of the importance of a rapid response to exacerbations, which may be necessary to achieve early and complete resolution of symptoms and recovery of lung function.
Conclusions
Our global survey – carried out almost a decade after the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) published its first consensus report on the diagnosis, management and prevention of COPD – has shown that exacerbations remain a major burden to COPD patients and their families, and put a considerable demand on healthcare services. Furthermore, exacerbations may be more common in a 'real-world' COPD population compared with those in clinical trials.
Our survey has also shown that there is a mismatch between patient perceptions of COPD and the reality of their frequent exacerbations, impaired quality of life and fears for the future. In addition, a high proportion of patients were unaware of the importance of a rapid response to exacerbations, which may be necessary to achieve early and complete resolution of symptoms and recovery of lung function.
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