Better symptom control

Patients understandably want better control of the symptoms that impact on their life, especially breathlessness and also chronic cough, sputum production and general fatigue.

Studies have shown that 60% of all COPD patients will report some limitations in their daily activity.¹ Patients who have COPD have impaired quality of life.² Exacerbations are particularly concerning since among those hospitalised with COPD, 50% are re-admitted on a future occasion.^3,4

References 

1. Rennard S, Decramer M, Calverley PM, et al. Impact of COPD in North America and Europe in 2000: subjects’ perspective of confronting COPD International Survey. Eur Respir J 2002;20:799–805.
2. Seemungal  TA, Donaldson GC, Paul EA, et al. Effect of exacerbation on quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1998;157:1418–1422.
3. Soler-Cataluna JJ, Martinez-Garcia MA, Roman Sanchez P, et al. Severe acute exacerbations and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax 2005; 60:925–31.
4. Calverley PMA, Anderson JA, Celli B, et al. Salmeterol and fluticasone propionate and survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 2007;356:775–89.