Skip to main content Skip to search
Integrative Therapies for People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Respiratory Medicine Series
Format: Book
Publication Date: Nov 30, 2011
Pages: 101
Sources ID: 31991
Notes: PT: B; UT: WOS:000301678700004PT: B; UT: WOS:000301678700013
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory illness distinguished by irreversible airflow limitation. It includes a spectrum of obstructive lung diseases, especially chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and despite optimal medical and pharmacological therapy, most people with COPD continue to suffer from symptoms of chronic, progressive dyspnea, cough, and fatigue. Patients must manage these symptoms themselves or with the support of caregivers on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, many patients turn to complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) for symptom relief. The purpose of this chapter is to review a wide variety of CAM therapies that have been described or tested in patients with COPD, including body-based practices such as massage, mind body and movement practices such as acupuncture/acupressure or yoga, natural products such as aromatics and supplements, and whole medical systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The current state of the science concerning most CAM therapies for patients with COPD consists of awareness of therapies that patients anecdotally report to be beneficial, and exploratory pilot studies to document safety and efficacy. Many patients choose to use CAM therapies without consulting their medical doctor. Consequently, it is important for conventional medical providers to educate themselves about CAM options and inquire about each patient's CAM practices to ensure safety of the treatment regimen.