Protocolo de tratamiento domiciliario del paciente con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica avanzada

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent disease, requiring in more severe patients, a sustained attention. In a subgroup of patients with advanced COPD domiciliary treatment would ensure appropriate care and should avoid unnecessary travels. Emerging studies of individual risk allow identifying the potential group of patients (terminally ill patients), who are capable of benefiting from different cares directed to improve their quality of life. In patients with health and family support, certain exacerbations can be managed at home. The following review is a guideline for the domiciliary treatment in patients with severe stable COPD, both stable and acute, with special emphasis on palliative cares and educational aspects of the disease.