CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition characterized by chronic airway obstruction, encompassing chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema, strongly associated with smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants. The disease has a high prevalence and significant socioeconomic impact, being the third leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the need for effective public policies for prevention and treatment. Methodology: This study consisted of an integrative literature review, conducted in August 2025, using descriptors from the DeCS portal: "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease," "Nursing Care," and "Public Health Policies." The databases searched were LILACS, BDENF, and MEDLINE, including articles published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Works such as theses, dissertations, and monographs were excluded. The extracted data were organized in a table containing author, year, title, objective, and main findings. Results and discussion: The analysis showed that the strategies of Brazilian public policies, structured by the Unified Health System (SUS), include preventive actions, such as educational campaigns, smoking cessation, promotion of healthy habits and pollution-free environments, as well as therapeutic actions, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, multidisciplinary follow-up, and management of comorbidities. The role of the nurse stands out as a central pillar, promoting health education, continuous monitoring, and humanized care, integrating different levels of care and reducing hospitalizations and costs. Conclusion: Public health policies, especially through the SUS, play a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of COPD, integrating preventive and therapeutic actions, focusing on primary care and multidisciplinary care, promoting a better quality of life, patient autonomy, and efficiency of the health system.