Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two diseases that often coexist within a patient.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that describes the progressive deterioration of the respiratory system by pulmonary airway obstruction, emphysema and decreased airflow. COPD also refers to lung disorders such as chronic bronchitis, and in some cases, chronic asthma.

Prevalence

According to the American Thoracic Society, patients with COPD have a higher prevalence of sleep disorders than the general population, with close to 50% of patients reporting significant disturbance in sleep quality.

Co-existence of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) occurs in 1% of adults¹.

Causes

The mechanisms underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are still unclear, but may involve systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction (when the inner lining of blood vessels does not function normally) and tonic elevation of sympathetic neural activity (elevation of blood pressure)².

Risks

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) are often coined as overlap syndrome. Both COPD and OSA are independent risk factors for the following:

• Arrhythmia
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Other cardiovascular disease

Treatment

Studies have shown that patients with untreated overlap syndrome have a higher mortality rate¹.

We at ResMed strive to impact comorbidity and improve quality of life. We offer a range of treatment options to alleviate the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).