Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with high mortality due to symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and sputum. Moreover, people with this disease often lead an inactive lifestyle due to shortness of breath and inability to exercise. In addition, patients with COPD do not receive enough micro- and macronutrients, suffer from inflammation, and as a result have a poor nutritional status.
According to statistics, 30-60 percent of people with this disease suffer from malnutrition. Furthermore, 20-40 percent of patients exhibit low muscle strength, and 15-21.6 percent are classified as sarcopenic (Tramontano & Palange, 2023). Finally, malnutrition and COPD can lead to a deficiency of vitamin D in the body.
COPD patients also have poor muscle performance for several reasons. Their nutritional function is impaired, and an energy imbalance occurs due to changes in metabolism (Tramontano & Palange, 2023). Therefore, this leads to aging, muscle loss, atrophy, and tissue hypoxia. To detect the disease at an early stage, regular screenings should be conducted every 6-12 months (Tramontano & Palange, 2023). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a quick and inexpensive way to measure weight, and bone mineral density can be detected through the use of X-ray absorptiometry.
In COPD, the factors that determine exercise tolerance are limited ventilatory response, dynamic hyperinflation, and dyspnea (Tramontano & Palange, 2023). This leads to patients choosing an inactive lifestyle, which worsens their health status. It is essential to create a nutritional regimen for patients with COPD to improve overall muscle health (Tramontano & Palange, 2023). Moreover, exercise, in the form of pulmonary rehabilitation, is the most effective non-drug treatment.
In summary, malnutrition is a negative factor that contributes to the underdevelopment of muscles in COPD. Accordingly, a comprehensive approach should be used, in the form of additional nutrition and individualized prescriptions for each patient, to improve their condition.
Reference
Tramontano, A., & Palange, P. (2023). Nutritional state and COPD: Effects on dyspnoea and exercise tolerance. Nutrients, 15(7), 1786.