Striving for Music: Joe Henderson and Phil Woods’ Struggles Performing with Emphysema

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent respiratory condition, an important cause of lost life years and its importance is still growing. By 2030, COPD is expected to be the fourth leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability worldwide. It is usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases, including inhaled tobacco smoke.1 Despite a large number of quantitative studies, there are comparatively few qualitative studies that have explored the perspectives of patients with chronic respiratory conditions.2 In COPD management, the observation of patients’ expressions of creativity may help to capture a global expression of illness experience and provide insight into the heterogeneity of their perceptions.3 Indeed, as stated by Öhman,4 it is possible to find new concepts helping to develop methods for the management of patient impairment… [ read more ]