In:
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease, SAGE Publications, Vol. 17 ( 2023-01)
Abstract:
Plain language summary The current state of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management in China Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by progressive and irreversible airflow limitation. The disease is poorly managed in China, and many patients do not receive a diagnosis or appropriate treatment. Inadequate treatment can cause a ‘flare up’ of symptoms, known as exacerbation, which reduces a patient’s quality of life and increases the risk of hospitalization and death. Objective: This study aimed to generate reliable, nationally representative information on the current status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management in China to help inform future management strategies. Study Design and Methods: Patients aged ⩾40 years with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were eligible for this study. Patients were enrolled from 50 hospitals across 6 regions of China, and their physicians collected study data during routine outpatient visits over the course of 1 year. Results: Of the 4978 patients included in this study, 90% had moderate-to-very-severe airflow limitation. A substantial proportion of patients had exacerbations (31%), with a large number being admitted to the hospital for treatment or visiting the emergency department (19%). About half of the patients had persistent symptoms related to the disease, including shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. Some patients were prescribed long-acting inhaled treatments that are recommended to help prevent exacerbations. However, there were patients who were not prescribed any long-acting inhalers despite having a high risk of exacerbation. Moreover, patients prescribed long-acting inhalers only used their inhalers 59% of the time. Overall, patients’ knowledge of the disease was poor. Conclusion: Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are substantially impacted by exacerbations and chronic symptoms, and do not always receive appropriate treatment. The results from this study emphasize the need for more effective management across the country.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1753-4666
,
1753-4666
DOI:
10.1177/17534666231178692
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2387506-9
