II. Prevention: General
- Evaluate and Manage comorbidity
- Cardiovascular disease is a top cause of mortality in COPD patients
-
Immunizations for smokers or COPD aged 19 to 64 years old
- Annual Influenza Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumovax) one dose
- Body habitus
- Overweight "Blue boater": Attempt weight loss
- Thin "Pink Puffer": Nutritional Supplementation
- Prevent hospital admissions
- See GOLD Criteria and stepped approach below
- See COPD Action Plan
III. Prevention: Tobacco Cessation
- See Tobacco Cessation
- Tobacco Cessation is the single most important intervention
- Make use of Smoking Cessation adjuncts (Bupropion, Varenicline, Nicotine Replacement)
- Educating patients about their lung age (estimated via Spirometry) is effective motivation
IV. Prevention: Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- See Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Indicated in moderate to severe COPD with Dyspnea-limited activities or impaired quality of life
- Includes Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise, nutritional counseling, education and behavioral modification
- Reduces Dyspnea, improves Exercise ability and improves quality of life if continued for at least 6 months