Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been assessed in breath samples as possible indicators of diseases. The present study aimed to quantify 29 VOCs (previously reported as potential biomarkers of lung diseases) in breath samples collected from controls and individuals with lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Besides that, global VOC profiles were investigated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Observations indicate that struggling with a burden of an incurable disease such as advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may result in the weakening of an individual sense of dignity, and be a source of spiritual suffering. Clinicians providing respiratory care to patients should be open to their spiritual needs, in the belief it may improve coping with the end-of-life COPD. The study aimed to assess overall feasibility and potential benefits of Dignity Therapy (DT) in patients with advanced COPD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFINTRODUCTION There is evidence that people with nonmalignant disease receive poorer end‑of‑life (EOL) care compared with people with cancer. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the selected aspects of symptomatic treatment and communication between physicians and patients diagnosed with either advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung cancer. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted online among members of the Polish Respiratory Society.
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