Nutritional Management in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Lee, Kwan Ho

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a not entirely reversible limitation in the airflow. An airflow limitation is progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lung to gases and harmful particles. In COPD, the weight loss is commonly observed and there is a negative impact on the respiratory as well as skeletal muscle function. The pathophysiological mechanisms that result in weight loss in COPD are not fully understood. However, the mechanisms of weight loss in COPD may be the result of an increased energy expenditure unbalanced by an adequate dietary intake. The commonly occurring weight loss and muscle wasting in COPD patients adversely affect the respiratory and peripheral muscle function, the exercise capacity, the health status, and even the survival rates. Therefore, it is very valuable to include management strategies that the increase energy balance in order to increase the weight and fat free mass. A Better understanding of the molecular and cellular pathological mechanisms of COPD can improve the many new directions for both the basic and clinical investigations. The Nutritional supply is an important components of a multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program. Future studies combining an exercise program, the role of anabolic steroids, nutritional individualization, a more targeted nutritional therapy, and the development of new drugs including anti-cytokines is needed for the effective management of COPD.