Journal of General Practice Nursing (GPN) | September 2025

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Interplay between nutritional status and COPD

Interplay between nutritional status and COPD
COPD

Pages: 34 - 39

Article topics: COPD, Inflammation, Malnutrition, Nutrition

This article explores the critical intersection between nutrition and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphasising the role of diet in managing the disease and improving patient outcomes. COPD, characterised by progressive airflow obstruction and systemic inflammation, is associated with malnutrition, which exacerbates muscle wasting and reduces lung function. Malnutrition is common in COPD patients due to factors like increased metabolic rate, impaired taste, and depression. The article discusses the importance of addressing malnutrition with high-protein, high-energy diets, and oral nutritional supplements (ONS) to improve weight, muscle strength, and overall quality of life. Additionally, it highlights the potential benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, in managing COPD progression and related comorbidities. It concludes that while managing malnutrition is a priority, dietary approaches targeting inflammation may help to slow disease progression and enhance patient wellbeing.

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