
New research cited by the COPD Foundation shows that more than 15 million cases of COPD remain undiagnosed and that stigma and the perception that the disease is self-inflicted can profoundly impact social support, mental health, self-esteem and the likelihood of pursuing diagnosis and treatment.
In a statement published in recognition of November being COPD Awareness Month, the Foundation cited a study conducted by researchers at the University of Manchester that found stigmatization, not just from peers but also from health care professionals, can have a detrimental effect on the care of patients.
This can include everything from off-putting clinical interactions to not offering patients admission to an intensive care unit. Due to potential public and professional bias, COPD patients are also more likely to experience inappropriate or insufficient care from medical staff, endure uncomfortable patient-doctor interactions and be refused emergency care and access to oxygen therapy.
The Foundation said that recognizing the five main causes of COPD — smoking, early life events such as premature birth, occupational and environmental causes, genetics and recurrent lung infections — can help researchers, medical professionals and the public re-examine assumptions about COPD patients and increase the likelihood that critical research and new treatment options will receive funding and support.
“As the prevalence of COPD rises both nationally and globally, it is important to confront any bias and advocate for awareness, early diagnosis and funding for research, new treatments and advanced therapies,” the statement said.