The average weight of a pair of adult lungs is approximately

840 g 1.

Your COPD patients need to be evaluated by different measures.

When was your patient’s last COPD assessment? Routine follow-up of COPD patients is essential. Patients are considered to have “stable COPD” in all clinical states other than during the period of an acute exacerbation or during acute worsening of dyspnea. However, patients with “stable COPD” may still have symptoms.2,3

Read the updated 2023 Canadian Thoracic Society Guidelines

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Preventing acute exacerbations in stable COPD patients

Reducing acute exacerbations of COPD is an essential goal in managing stable COPD 2

Acute exacerbations of COPD can lead to poor outcomes and adverse consequences:2

  • -  Decline in lung function
  • -  Poor health status
  • -  Increased susceptibility to repeated exacerbations
  • -  Increased morbidity
  • -  Increased mortality

“A treatment approach that is proactive and prevents future AECOPD will improve health status, reduce healthcare utilization and reduce mortality.” 2
– 2023 CTS guidelines

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Review the COPD Assessment Test with your patients

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Show your patients what steps they can take to help manage their COPD

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Talk to your patients about non-pharmacological therapies, such as:2

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    Smoking cessation counselling

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    Vaccinations

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    Self-management education

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    Pulmonary rehabilitation aimed at healthy lifestyle behaviours and improved daily management of COPD

Speak to your COPD patients today

AECOPD = acute exacerbations of COPD; COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

References:

  • Molina DK, DiMaio VJ. Normal organ weights in men: part II-the brain, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2012;33(4):368-372.
  • Bourbeau J, et al. 2023 Canadian Thoracic Society Guideline on Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Stable COPD. Can J Resp Crit Care Sleep Med. 2023.
  • Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2022 report.