|
Association and clinical implications
|
| Elevated systemic inflammation, e.g. interleukin-6, C-reactive protein |
| Use of long-term oxygen therapy |
| Increase in the number of comorbidities |
| Prolongs length of hospital stay |
| Increase in the number of consultations with general practitioners |
| Morbidity and mortality |
| Female sex |
| Escalates frequency of hospital readmission |
| Heightens the number of acute exacerbations |
| Severe respiratory impairment |
| Cachexia |
|
Symptoms
|
| Health-endangering behaviour (smoking) |
| Increased fatigue |
| Panic |
| Social withdrawal |
| Lack of interest in pleasurable activities |
| Fear |
| Dyspnoea on exertion |
| Insomnia |
| Somonolence |
|
Impact on physical and social functioning
|
| Reduced exercise capacity |
| Increased physical disability |
| Reduced social interaction |
| Dependence on caregivers |
| Emotional liability |
| Loss of social role |
| Loss of libido |
| Decrease in cognitive functioning |
| Early retirement from work |
| Loss of self-esteem |
|
Treatment options
|
| Support and adherence to exercise and antidepressant treatment |
| Pulmonary rehabilitation |
| Personalised intervention |
| Collaborative care model |
| Counselling |
| Exercise |
| Smoking cessation |
| Relaxation therapy |
| Antidepressant drug therapy |
| Psychotherapy (cognitive behavioural and supportive) |
| Yoga |
| Social support and respite care for caregivers |
| Telephone health mentoring using cognitive behavioural therapy |
