NURSING PROFESSIONALS TO THE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is defined as a progressive respiratory pathology, characterized by persistent limitation or obstruction of airflow, mainly caused by smoking and exposure to pollutants. This disease is among the conditions that cause the highest rates of global morbidity and mortality and significantly compromises the lives of affected individuals, negatively impacting health systems. Obtaining an early diagnosis is essential to delay disease progression, minimize exacerbations, and reduce hospitalizations. However, most cases are only identified when the condition is already advanced, since initial symptoms are poorly perceived and diagnostic resources are often limited. In this context, rehabilitation-focused nursing plays a strategic role by acting in early identification, continuous health education, therapeutic adherence, and respiratory rehabilitation. The main objective of this study is to analyze the contributions of rehabilitation-oriented nursing in the treatment and early diagnosis of COPD, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary care. This study consists of a descriptive-exploratory bibliographic research, developed from articles, books, and scientific publications, covering the period between 2020 and 2025, with works in Portuguese and English. The analysis shows that the work of rehabilitation nurses promotes functional improvement, optimizes clinical management and care approaches, and encourages lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and the prescription of regular physical exercise. It is concluded that the role of these professionals, combined with public policies for pulmonary rehabilitation, can significantly contribute to reducing the impacts of COPD, as well as promoting improvements in social and economic quality of life.