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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Oral Health Care Considerations

  • Defer elective dental care for patients with unstable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Introduce or support a smoking cessation program.
  • Use a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation levels.
  • Have an extra oxygen tank available. If extra oxygen is needed, only supply 2-3 L/min.
  • Address possible adrenal suppression.
  • Avoid barbiturates, narcotics, antihistamines, and anticholinergics.
  • Avoid erythromycin in patients taking theophylline.

Medical Complexity Status - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease#

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseMCS1BMCS2B
Anticipated
complication
Controlled/
stable
Uncontrolled/
unstable
 HemostasisNoneNone
 Microbial
 susceptibility
NoneMinor
 Drugs/ drug
 interactions
MinorMinor
 Stress/traumaMinorMinor

See Medical Complexity Status for more information.


Related Pages#

References/Websites#