COPD app may help reduce exacerbations.

ISLAMABAD -- A new feasibility study has found that an app supporting self-managed care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may help reduce exacerbations. COPD describes a number of diseases, which include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In these conditions, the airways become blocked, which results in the person having difficulty breathing. Approximately 15.7 million

people in the United States - equating to roughly 6.4% of the population - have received a diagnosis of COPD. Smoking is a key cause of COPD, but research has also linked the condition to respiratory infections and exposure to air pollutants, as well as genetic factors. COPD can have a significant negative effect on an individual's life. It can cause difficulty moving around, including climbing stairs, and can impair a person's ability to work and socialize. Experts have also linked COPD to mental health issues, including depression. One of the challenges for health services working with...