Home-based spirometry in the self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

It is estimated that more than 3 million people die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) annually. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) leads to an irreversible decline of pulmonary function, an increase of emergency visits, hospitalization and length of stay in hospital, and an increase of the mortality. However, many exacerbations are not reported to healthcare professionals for therapy and yet these events, although often in short...