Background:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people living with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are among the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to an increased risk for severe illness and hospitalization.1 ,2 A new survey suggests that the pandemic has motivated at least 1 in 3 people with COPD (36 percent) to actively manage their disease. Despite this positive shift, the survey also showed that those living with COPD continue to face significant barriers to managing their symptoms and preventing exacerbations, or symptom flare-ups.
The survey, developed and conducted by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in partnership with American College of CHEST Physicians (CHEST) and the COPD Foundation.
In the U.S., there are approximately 27 million people living with COPD and it is considered the fourth leading cause of death. Symptoms, such as breathlessness, can lead to significant disruptions to everyday life, but can be managed. The survey uncovered several misunderstandings which occur between patients, their doctors and even their caregivers, suggesting an opportunity for better overall communication.
For more information please visit www.copd.com
More About Dr. Tom Corbridge
Thomas C. Corbridge, M.D., is a medical expert for GSK and pulmonologist affiliated with multiple hospitals in the in Chicago area, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is also an adjunct professor of pulmonary and critical care at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and has been in practice for almost 30 years.
1 https://goldcopd.org/gold-covid-19-guidance/
2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-
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