Few studies have provided a detailed characterization of
pain in patients with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (
COPD). The aims of this cross-sectional study were to describe the occurrence, intensity, locations, and level of interference associated with
pain, as well as
pain relief; to identify differences in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics between
COPD patients with and without
pain; and to determine which demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with average
pain, worst
pain, and
pain interference. A total of 258 patients with
COPD provided information on demographic characteristics; comorbidities; respiratory parameters including
dyspnea; body mass index; and symptom characteristics (i.e., anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and
fatigue).
Pain was measured using the Brief
Pain Inventory. Of these 258
COPD patients, 157 (61%) reported
pain. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine which demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with average
pain severity, worst
pain severity, and mean
pain interference. Lower stages of
COPD were associated with higher worst
pain and higher
pain interference scores. Higher depression scores were associated with higher average
pain and higher
pain interference scores. In addition, higher number of
pain locations was associated with higher average and higher worst
pain severity scores. Findings from this study confirm that
pain is a significant problem and highlights the need for specific
pain management interventions for patients with
COPD. More research is needed about specific
pain characteristics and symptoms to gain an increased knowledge about the causes of
pain in these patients.