THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) COMORBIDITIES ON PROGNOSIS AND SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic diseases that require special medical attention and adjustment to the current method of treatment. COPD seriously affects the quality and duration of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities, depending on the severity of COPD. The study was conducted among 60 patients with moderate and severe stage of COPD, medicated at Respiratory Medicine Center in Bialystok. The degree of severity was assessed according to the criteria of the GOLD. The classification was based on the severity of the disease and the frequency of exacerbations. Exacerbations were categorized according to the classification of Anthonisen and dyspnea was assessed by the MMRC scale. Evaluation of the average cost of chronic disease treatment of COPD and exacerbations treated outpatients was based on the records of patients. Approximately 60% of patients had 2 or 3 exacerbations per year and 1 to 2 comorbidities, and 35% had one exacerbation. The average number of comorbidities in COPD increased with advancing disease. Comorbidities of COPD can be considered as an important factor in prognosis of this disease.