Management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in COVID-19 pandemic
The pandemic of COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent data showed that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk for severity and complicated COVID-19 infection. In coronavirus pandemic, patients with COPD should continue standard maintenance therapy, including bronchodilators and their combination with inhaled glucocorticosteroids, in order to maintain a stable condition and prevent the development of exacerbations that can be provoked by COVID-19. It is important for this group of patients to carefully monitor the condition and follow measures aimed at preventing infection with coronavirus infection due to the increased risk of adverse outcomes.