Year: 2025 | Month: July-September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 1-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20250301
Impact of Fatigue and Mental Health on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - A Brief Review
Swati1, Dr. Gitanjali Sikka2, Dr. Pawan K. Singh3
1PG student, College of Physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
2Associate Professor, College of Physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
3Associate Professor, Department of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Corresponding Author: Swati
ABSTRACT
Background: COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide. Although the main symptom of COPD is airflow restriction, extrapulmonary symptoms like depression, anxiety, and exhaustion are frequently present as well. These under-recognized comorbidities significantly impair health-related quality of life and can lead to a rise in hospitalizations, death, and exacerbations.
Objectives: This review consolidates evidence on the impact of fatigue, mental health, and HRQoL in COPD patients.
Study Selection: The brief review is conducted on databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Included research comprised observational, cross-sectional, and population-based studies that evaluated fatigue, mental health, and HRQoL using validated assessment tools.
Conclusion: Fatigue and mental health are highly prevalent among COPD patients and contribute independently to a decline in HRQoL. These symptoms often occur irrespective of pulmonary function severity and are particularly common in early-onset and severe cases. Acceptance of illness is positively associated with better quality of life.
Keywords: COPD, fatigue, mental health, HRQoL