The nutritional management of COPD: an overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent in elderly individuals (Sin et al, 2006) and has a huge impact on both families and individual patients' lives (Barnett, 2007). Active smoking remains the main risk factor, but other factors are becoming better known, such as occupational factors, infections and the role of air pollution. Prevalence of COPD varies according to country, age and sex (Raherison and Girodet, 2009). Nutritional depletion in patients with COPD is common and has a negative impact on respiratory and peripheral muscle function. Therefore assisting patients with COPD to attain and maintain optimal nutritional status is crucial to enhancing their physical wellbeing and function. In COPD, achieving an optimal nutritional status can delay the progression of this disease and may also reduce the risks of morbidity and early mortality (Raherison and Girodet, 2009). The aim of this article is to provide an overview of this condition and to identify ways in which nurses may optimize the nutritional management of patients with COPD.