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Non-pharmacological management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, contributing to a substantial use of resources. According to World Health Organization estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe COPD. The condition is also recognised as a systemic disease with extrapulmonary manifestations, such as peripheral muscle dysfunction, malnutrition and depression, which further contribute to disability, poor quality of life, exacerbations and mortality. Optimum management requires nonpharmacological interventions combined with pharmacological treatment. However, the former is often neglected and not widely used in daily practice, with the focus mainly on the latter.