Examination for osteoporosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk of developing osteoporosis, as the COPD in itself as well as continued smoking and treatment with systemic corticosteroid all increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Other risk factors for osteoporosis are low vitamin D levels, malnutrition and physical inactivity. All patients who have risk factors in the form of severe COPD, and all patients with COPD in active treatment with systemic corticosteroid and/or other risk factors should be examined with a DEXA-scan. Treatment of osteoporosis in patients with COPD does not differ from general recommendations.