Management of COPD patients during COVID: difficulties and experiences

Introduction: The role of COPD in COVID-19 is not yet well understood. However, there is increasing evidence showing that COPD patients with COVID-19 have a higher risk of presenting a serious infection, a greater likelihood of requiring ICU support, and a higher mortality than other groups. Areas covered: In this article, we address some critical questions on COVID-19 as they pertain to COPD. In particular, we discuss whether the usual algorithms of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management in COPD still apply. Expert opinion: Patients with COPD must continue their regular therapy, regardless of whether they are affected by COVID-19. Corticosteroids reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients in need of supportive oxygen therapy or invasive mechanical ventilation. It is essential that a COPD patient who has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 is closely followed over time because any delay in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy could negatively affect his/her prognosis. However, we still do not know if COVID-19 infection occurs and evolves differently in each of the recognized COPD phenotypes and, therefore, whether it needs a different management. There are other open questions concerning COVID-19 and COPD that need to be considered. Future studies are absolutely necessary to answer these questions.