ADVANCED COPD

DEFINITION AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 3.5 million casualties in 2021, accounting for approximately 5% of worldwide fatalities. Patients with advanced disease experience more frequent symptoms, loss of functionality and a higher incidence of exacerbations, all of which significantly impact their quality of life. They also consume more healthcare resources and have poorer survival rates.

Severe cases require a complex multidisciplinary specialized approach, including palliative care, optimized medication management, non-invasive ventilatory support and individualized interventional procedures in selected patients, such as lung volume reduction and transplantation.

The main objective of this article is to discuss the definition and care of advanced COPD.