The management of respiratory symptoms in palliative care for patients with COPD

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex progessive and irreversible condition of the respiratory system that affects millions of people in the world, in recent years it is disproportionate increase has been predicted, recognizing that many patients do not receive adequate treatment in the final stages of life. Although the potential benefits are recognized, access is deficient, generating uncertainty for those who require this intervention. Objetives: We analyzed updated scientific evidence on the management of respiratory symptoms in patients with advanced COPD in need of palliative care. Material and methods: A review of the literature was carried out, including scientific articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the last 5 years, as well as documents from scientific societies with expertise in the subject, through scientific databases of impact such as Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar. Results: Four studies were included which deduced the importance and individual benefit of palliative care in relation to symptom buerden, probability of hospitalization and mortaly, as well as level of quality of life. Conclusion: Palliative care is a tool for symptomatic, emotional and social support according to the eligibility criteria individuals with advanced COPD can benefit from this type of therapy, however, it is limited scope generates a challenge in its implementation