Click here to view a copy of the
advertisement for the March issues
of Pharmacy Post, Medical Post and CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association
Journal).
COPD HOSPITALIZATION RATES ARE ON
THE RISE.1
Hospitalizations
for COPD peak in mid-winter and are linked to respiratory tract infections
among men and women over the age of fifty years.2 Up to 50% are
caused by respiratory viruses, mainly the common cold3, making it
even more critical during this time of year to ensure that patients comply
with their aerosolized medication action plan to provide relief of symptoms
and prevent hospitalization.
COPD is the fifth most
common cause of death in North America today and is the only leading cause
of death that is rising in prevalence.4
COPD is not a reversible condition, however, treatment can slow its progression. Aerosol medications are central to the symptomatic management of the disease.
COPD is generally a
disease affecting adults over 60 years of age.5 According to the
NICE COPD Guidelines, "a pMDI alone is rarely suitable for use with the
elderly".6 The most common problems that the elderly have with
metered dose inhaler technique are failure to coordinate activation with
inspiration and failure to hold their breath after inspiration. Both of
these problems can be alleviated with the use of a holding chamber attached
to the canister.7
What can you do?
Talk with your COPD patients about the increased risk of hospitalization
caused by respiratory viruses during this time of year. Take an opportunity to review their
COPD self-management
guidelines. And, for those patients using pMDI medications, recommend the
use of an AeroChamber*
brand of valved holding chamber (VHC) to
ensure that medication gets where it's needed...in the lungs.
In addition the TruZone* Peak Flow Meter (PFM) is an easy-to-use daily monitoring device to monitor and record peak flows at home. Used daily, a TruZone* PFM helps patients become active partners in monitoring their condition, provides an accurate early warning system and can save trips to the hospital.
1,3 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - A National Report Card, Canadian Lung Association & Canadian Thoracic Society
2 Johnston N. Firestone Institute, Hamilton, Ontario
4,5 Canadian Lung Association
6 National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), UK, COPD Guidelines
7 Barbee RA, Balancing the therapeutic needs of elderly asthmatics. J Respir Dis 1995; 16(2):114-122
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