Altitude can exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD symptoms) and has associated adverse health effects. We are joined by Dr Michael Furian (University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland) to explore the adverse health effects and significant influence on patient quality of life, and current management strategies. We also take a closer look at two pivotal trials, highlighting the outcome measures of these studies and how effectively these goals were met. Additionally, the interview sheds light on the broader implications of these findings for COPD patients, emphasizing the crucial role of preventative medicine in managing this condition.
The abstract ‘Acetazolamide to prevent impending altitude-related adverse health effects in COPD patients’ was presented at ERS 2023, 9 – 13 September 2023.
Questions:
- What complications are associated with altitude in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? (0:24)
- How do altitude related adverse health effects (ARAHE) impact patient quality of life and how is this currently managed? (2:00)
- What were the aims, design and inclusion criteria of both trials 1 and 2? (4:17)
- What were the outcome measures and how well were these achieved? (6:19)
- What impact will these findings have on patients, and how important is preventative medicine in COPD? (8:24)
Disclosures: Michael Furian has nothing to disclose in relation to this video interview.
Support:Â Interview and filming supported by Touch Medical Media Ltd. Interview conducted by Katey Gabrysch
Filmed in coverage of the ERS Annual Meeting. Access full coverage here
