Abstract

ABRAHAM, S  and  SYMONS, G. Non-pharmacological management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2015, vol.105, n.9, pp.789-789. ISSN 2078-5135.  http://dx.doi.org/10.7196/SAMJNEW.8489.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, contributing to a substantial use of resources. According to World Health Organization estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe COPD. The condition is also recognised as a systemic disease with extrapulmonary manifestations, such as peripheral muscle dysfunction, malnutrition and depression, which further contribute to disability, poor quality of life, exacerbations and mortality. Optimum management requires non-pharmacological interventions combined with pharmacological treatment. However, the former is often neglected and not widely used in daily practice, with the focus mainly on the latter.

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