Holistic Management of Elderly Man with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with History of Smoking and Occupation’s Dust Exposure Through A Family Medicine Approach

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and limited airflow due to airway or alveolar abnormalities that are usually caused by exposure to harmful gases or particles. In addition, COPD causes deaths related to factors of old age and exposure to harmful substances. Symptoms can worsen into acute exacerbation COPD which can lead to death. The family approach in the management of acute exacerbation COPD helps to identify influential factors both clinically, personally, and psychosocially so that the management will be more comprehensive. Family doctor practice are evidence based medicine by identifying risk factors, clinical problems, and patient management based on patient problems with a holistic approach. This study is a case report. Primary data were obtained through history taking, physical examination, labs exam and home visits to assess the physical environment. Assessment based on a holistic diagnosis from the beginning to the end. Prior to the intervention, the patient's knowledge of the disease he suffered was lacking, curative treatment patterns, poor diet, infrequent exercise, and cachexia. The family's knowledge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is still low. After the intervention, there was an improvement in the postest value of knowledge, CAT index, PSQI, 6MWD, food recall, and weight gain. After the treatment was carried out on the patient, there was a hope to an improvement in the knowledge regarding the disease, as well as an improvement in diet and physical activity patterns.