Palliative care of patients with terminal obstructive pulmonary disease
Von Plessen, C.; Nielsen, T.L.; Steffensen, I.E.; Larsen, S.A.-H.; Taudorf, E.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 173(42): 2641-2644
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 22027164 Document Number: 653516
Terminal chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and advanced cancer have similar prognosis and symptom burden. However, palliative care of patients with terminal COPD has been neglected in Denmark. We describe the symptoms of terminal COPD and suggest criteria for defining the palliative phase of the disease. Furthermore we discuss the prognostic and ethical challenges for patients, their families and their caregivers. Finally, we summarize the current evidence for palliative treatment of dyspnoea and ways to evaluate response to treatment.