Managing Osteoporosis in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious respiratory disease with high morbidity, disability and mortality worldwide. Every year, many people die from the disease or its comorbidities. Osteoporosis is a common complication of COPD, which can lead to increased fractures in COPD patients, aggravate the disease, and then bring great pain and burden to patients. The possible factors leading to osteoporosis in COPD patients include systemic inflammation, corticosteroid use, vitamin D deficiency, physical inactivity, tobacco exposure, lower bone mineral density, hypogonadism, hypoxia, and anemia. In clinical practice, the rate of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with COPD is low. Several studies demonstrated that treating osteoporosis with bisphosphonates could improve bone density, make breathing easier, and improve the quality of life of COPD patients. However, no studies have examined the effect of anti-osteoporosis therapy on fracture prevention in COPD patients. More research is needed to clarify how to implement holistic medical interventions in COPD patients with osteoporosis. We recommend that every COPD patient be screened for osteoporosis and treated with standard medications for primary osteoporosis.