High Protein and Energy Diet for Better Coughing in COPD Patients

Effects of a Diet High in Protein and Energy in Combination With Physical Activity for the Improvement of Coughing Capacity in COPD Patients

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) is one of the leading death causes worldwide. COPD is a disease that is characterized by chronic inflammation which leads to irreversible damage of airways and lung tissue. This intervention investigates the effects of a diet high in protein and energy for the improvement of coughing capacity and lung function of COPD patients. The patients will be recruited as part of a lung rehabilitating programme which takes place in Bispebjerg and Hvidovre Hospital. The intervention group receives individual nutritional guidelines whereas the control group continues their usual diet. Blood tests will be performed at baseline and the end of the study. Other anthropometric measures include spirometry for lung function, hand grip strength and fat free mass to assess muscle waisting.

40 patients with COPD randomized to diet with protein 1.3 g/kg/day or habitual intake:

Primary endpoint (before-after): Leicester Cough Questionnaire Secondary endpoints: ADL-score, no. daily cough periods, development in FEV1 and FVC, hand-grib-strenght, use of respiratory medications, smoking, appetite, admissions to hospital, antibiotics and/or steroids, oxygen saturation, FFM (BIA), Coughs tests in spirometer and peak-flow-meter

Study period: 2 months

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with COPD
• Participating in ongoing lung rehabilitating programme at Hvidovre and Bispebjerg Hospital
• over 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Plasma creatinin over 200 mikrog/l
• dementia
• unable to read or speak danish