Wie können wir die Lebensqualität von Patienten mit COPD verbessern?

The term COPD is not widely known and appreciated, despite being the third most important cause of death worldwide, with more than 4000 deaths annually in Switzerland. The life of COPD patients and their families could be made easier with more information, more prevention by smoking regulation, support of smoking cessation and by regular vaccinations against influenza and pneumococci. COPD should be detected earlier by an internet-based risk assessment algorithm and by regular spirometry in the doctor's offices (as hypertension by blood pressure measurement), especially in symptomatic smokers. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs and self-management interventions improve adherence to inhalation drug therapy and exercise training, prevent exacerbations as well as depression and fear of death. Patient's provisions concerning reanimation and intubation, home care and oxygen delivery and controlled terminal sedation help avoid a painful death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]