|
Why review COPD?
 |
COPD is the fifth leading cause of death in North America and is increasing in prevalence.(1) COPD is estimated to be the fifth health condition of greatest burden to society worldwide by the year 2020.(2) |
|
The prevalence of COPD increases with age and risk factors, most notably smoking.(3) The relationship between smoking and COPD is strong but complex. Only 15% of smokers develop COPD, suggesting that other factors such as genetics may predispose the patient to airway injury.(1) However, roughly 80% of COPD mortality is due to cigarette smoking, making smoking a major target for COPD prevention and intervention programs.(4) |
|
Despite alarming prevalence data, COPD receives relatively little coverage in Canadian pharmacist continuing education programs. This is in sharp contrast to asthma educational efforts. |
|
Pharmacists are in an ideal position to assist patients with COPD because:
- Smoking cessation is the only strategy proven to help prevent the onset of COPD or slow the long term worsening of lung function in COPD patients.
- Pharmacists are able to optimize smoking cessation efforts and pharmacotherapy outcomes in COPD patients.
- Pharmacotherapy for COPD can improve lung function, symptoms and quality of life. Many patients are not optimally treated and COPD is often confused with asthma. As a result, the potential for drug-related problems is high (i.e., inappropriate bronchodilator choices, inappropriate inhaled steroid use, dosing issues, compliance issues, etc.).
|
|
