Quality of life in COPD

Measurement of health related quality of life (HRQL) is quantification of the impact of disease on daily life and well-being in a formal and standardized manner. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is essentially incurable, the therapy is directed towards minimization of symptoms, reduction of exacerbations and prevention of the decline in pulmonary functions also improvement in patients' HRQL. In COPD patients, impaired pulmonary function and limited exercise capacity may result in quality of life. As the relationship between respiratory impairment and HRQL is generally weak; it's important to evaluate HRQL in patients with COPD. In this review, general and disease specific questionnaires and assessment of COPD patients is evaluated in the light of recent literatures.