Nutritional support in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): an evidence update

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, respiratory disease characterised by persistent airflow limitation due to damage caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases (1). The chronic airflow limitation is caused by a mixture of small airways disease, such as obstructive bronchitis, and parenchymal destruction seen in emphysema. Although these respiratory phenotypes will differ between individuals with the disease, there are common respiratory symptoms experienced including dyspnoea, cough and/or sputum production. Due to the increased work of breathing in COPD, even the act of eating has been observed to adversely impact haemoglobin saturation and increase dyspnea (2). These symptoms are also frequently accompanied by functional (reduced exercise tolerance) and nutrition impact symptoms (e.g., anorexia and early satiety). The aim of this review is to provide a broad update on the recent evidence for the use of nutritional support in COPD