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COPD: part two

COPD guidelines

GOLD report

NICE guidance

Non-pharmacological management

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module menu icon Non-pharmacological management

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module menu icon Non-pharmacological management

Management of COPD can be broadly divided into two areas: non-pharmacological and pharmacological. Pharmacological management will be discussed in part three of this module.

Non-pharmacological measures should be optimised alongside any pharmacological intervention and before escalation of therapy:

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation, especially encouraging physical activity to minimise muscle loss and/or deconditioning, which increases mortality
  • Optimised nutrition – dietetic input and supplementation, where applicable
  • Social and/or occupational therapy input to help people retain their independence and enable them to continue with their daily activities
  • Psychological support for anxiety and depression, with or without pharmacological treatment, as necessary
  • Breathing control techniques to aid energy conservation and management of panic and/or anxiety
  • Self-management plan – every person living with COPD should have a personalised self management plan that has been developed in collaboration with them and their family or carers, as appropriate.

    • COPD: part two

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