Co-existing conditions and COPD

Co-existing Health Conditions in People with COPD

Conditions and COPD

Most people with COPD have other health conditions that contribute to their symptoms and limitations. It is important for clinicians, researchers and patients to understand the various health conditions that co-exist with COPD so that they can be managed along with respiratory treatment. We have completed two reviews of conditions that may co-exist with COPD: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and osteoarthritis. GERD has been reported in up to 78% of people with COPD and it may have an impact on lung disease severity and be a predictor of exacerbations of COPD. Osteoarthritis has been reported in an average of 35% of people with COPD. We also conducted a chart review of the respiratory patients at West Park to look at the prevalence of co-existing health conditions and found that circulatory conditions such as high blood pressure, and endocrine or metabolic conditions such as dyslipidemia, were most prevalent in people with COPD. People with interstitial lung disease most commonly had digestive conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux and circulatory conditions.

Take Home Message: Knowing which diseases commonly co-exist with COPD and other lung diseases could result in more effective treatment approaches in terms of managing symptoms and improving the function and quality of life for these patients.

Publications
 
COPD and GERD 
COPD and Osteoarthritis 
Comorbidities in People with Lung Disease