THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH COPD. LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition that substantially impairs patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Beyond lung function deficits, a variety of clinical, psychological, and social factors influence how COPD patients experience their daily lives. Over the past decade, research has increasingly focused on identifying key determinants of QoL in COPD, recognizing that improvi ng QoL is a primary goal of COPD management. This narrative review summarizes evidence (2015–2025) on major factors affecting QoL in COPD patients, including disease severity, comorbid conditions, psychological status, physical activity, exacerbation frequency, social support, access to care, and treatment adherence. Consistent themes and gaps in the literature are highlighted, and we conclude by discussing how these factors interact to shape patient outcomes and where future research is needed. Objective. The primary objective of this review was to summarize and analyze modern approaches aimed at improving the quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Specific focus was placed on pharmacological therapies, pulmonary rehabilitation, psychosocial interventions, telehealth, self-management education, lifestyle modifications, and integrated care models. Search strategy. A narrative literature review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The search included studies published from 2015 to 2025 using keywords such as: “COPD”, “quality of life”, “pulmonary rehabilitation”, “self-management”, “psychological interventions”, “digital health”, “triple therapy”, and “integrated care”. Preference was given to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and high-quality cohort studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English. Results and conclusions. Recent studies confirm that various modern interventions can significantly improve the quality of life in COPD patients. Optimized pharmacological treatments, particularly triple inhaler therapy, help reduc e symptoms and exacerbations. Pulmonary rehabilitation consistently enhances physical function and well-being. Psychological support, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, reduces anxiety and depression, positively affecting emotional health. Telehealth and mobile tools improve patient engagement and self-management, while structured education programs lead to better disease control and reduced hospital visits. Nutritional support and regular physical activity improve strength, endurance, and daily functioning. Integrated, multidisciplinary care models have shown the strongest overall impact, improving both quality of life and healthcare outcomes when delivered in a coordinated and patient-centered manner