Preserving Pulmonary Function = Palliative Care

The World Health Organization (WHO), identifies 3 pulmonary conditions out of 10 causes of death globally (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Lung Cancer and lower respiratory infections).

Advanced Pulmonary conditions like COPD, Bronchiectasis, Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Scleroderma, Pulmonary Hypertension and Lung Cancer carry a life-limiting prognosis and associated with multiple symptoms:

  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
  • Cough
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Fatigue
  • Cachexia (muscle wasting)
  • Chest pressure
  • Wheezing
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Increased mucus production
  • Insomnia and others

Palliative care is the effective management of symptoms. Clinicians who implement best practices – reduce the incidence of disease exacerbation, hospitalization and improve physical functioning – PERSERVING PULMONARY FUNCTION.

The INTEGRATION OF PALLIATIVE CARE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH directs best practice to promote quality of life in this fragile patient population