Smoke from cigarettes is one amongst major risk factors for developing COPD. Occupational smoke or dust, air pollution, and genetic factors are also factors in the development of COPD. Patients with COPD suffer from decreased food intake and malnutrition that causes respiratory muscle weakness, increased disability, increased susceptibility to infections, and hormonal alterations.
Low body weight is due to poor nutritional intake, an increased metabolic rate, or both. Inadequate food intake and poor appetite are the primary targets for intervention in patients with COPD. These two issues mean COPD patients struggle to meet their nutritional needs.
Determination of a specific patient’s macronutrient needs is made on an individual basis, with close monitoring of outcomes.
Get in touch with us for COPD Diets and Nutrition during COPD.