Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD)

What is COPD?

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an illness that interferes with how the lungs work and makes breathing difficult. It is made up of 3 components: asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. Asthma, if well treated, should be completely reversible with proper medications. However, long standing, inadequately treated asthma may eventually result in permanent airflow obstruction, which leads to COPD.

Chronic bronchitis is when you have too much mucus in your airways. This leads to a chronic cough and a higher chance of getting respiratory infections.

Causes:

• Smoking is the leading cause of COPD
• Long term exposure to industrial pollutants
• Long term exposure to indoor/outdoor pollution
• Scarred or damaged lung tissue

Symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Excess mucus
• Coughing
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bluish color tint to lips, nails, and skin

Spirometry:

Spirometry is the most common and simple breathing test to measure your lung function and diagnose COPD. All current and former smokers, as well as those with respiratory symptoms (particularly those over 45 years old) should have spirometry performed. Spirometry can be done at your health care provider’s office, the hospital, or at a lung specialist’s office

COPD Medication:

Medications specific to COPD can relieve symptoms and make it easier for you to breathe. Your health care provider may prescribe one or more of these common types of medications:

Quick-relief medications: These are used on an “as needed” basis to stop or prevent flare-up symptoms. Some possible side effects include faster heartbeat, nervousness, tremors, upset stomach, headaches, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and irritability.

Long-term medications: These are typically used on a daily basis to keep symptoms under control. Possible side effects include increased appetite, mood changes, easily bruised skin, weakness, nausea, sleeplessness, and tremors. Inhaled varieties may cause dry mouth and possible mouth infections. Be certain to rinse your mouth after using them.

Antibiotics: These are used to fight respiratory and other bacterial infections. They should not be used routinely, only when you are sick and have an infection. Side effects of antibiotics vary but can include nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.

Steroids: Occasionally, your doctor may prescribe an oral steroid if you have a respiratory infection that will not resolve with antibiotics alone. They are not meant for long-term use.

Many COPD medications must be inhaled. An inhaler is a hand-held device that helps make sure the medication gets to your lungs as you breathe it in. Do not use your inhaler more often than it is prescribed. You will also need to keep track of when it will run out. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to be used in a nebulizer. A nebulizer plugs into an electrical outlet and uses compressed air or oxygen to deliver the medication.

It is very important that you use your medications exactly how your health care provider has instructed you. Never stop taking a medication or change the dosage on your own. If you experience side effects, be sure to mention this to your health care provider.

Energy Conservation

With COPD, you may find that you get tired very easily and experience shortness of breath with certain activities. If you pace yourself, it may help prevent fatigue and breathlessness. Here are some tips for conserving your energy:

*Plan your day- Do the most important activities when you have the most energy. Don’t schedule high-energy activities back-to-back. Use lightweight pots/pans for cooking. Keep frequently used dishes out rather than putting them away.

*Plan rest periods- Allow 5-15 minutes between activities. Sit while performing tasks, such as washing dishes, bathing, brushing your teeth, etc. Use a shower stool in the shower.

*Use a cart- If you need to move objects around the house, a cart will keep you from carrying them from one place to another. Push or slide objects instead of lifting them. Let dirty dishes soak—don’t scrub them. After washing dishes, let them air dry.

*Gather your clothes together before getting dressed- Sit down while dressing. Don’t bend over to put on shoes/socks—bring your feet up or use a long-handled shoehorn to put on shoes.

*Keep frequently used items at waist height- This will keep you from having to reach, bend, or lift. Consider home modifications or renovations that reduce effort and strain.

*Assemble everything you need before starting an activity- This will prevent you from having to get up as often.

*Reduce shopping stress- Keep grocery bags light and easy to carry. If you have someone to carry them for you, consider buying non-perishable items in bulk—you won’t have to shop for them as often.

Exercise

Exercise can help your body use oxygen more efficiently, strengthen your muscles, and improve your state of mind. Always remember to consult you health care provider before starting an exercise program.

Your health care provider may recommend that you enter a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This is an organized and structured exercise program. The goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to improve fitness and the overall quality of life of a COPD patient. It also helps reduce the anxiety and fear associated with exercise induced breathlessness. A pulmonary rehab program will also focus on education and to help you learn more about COPD and self-management.

Rutherford Hospital, Inc. offers a pulmonary rehabilitation program. If you are interested, please ask your health care provider to complete a referral. Here is the contact information:

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab
288 South Ridgecrest Avenue
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-247-1588

Controlling your Breathing

Do you sometimes feel like you can’t catch your breath or wake up feeling breathless? This can be scary, but gasping for air and breathing faster will not help. Attached are some breathing techniques that may help.

For a guide managing your condition related to weather and air pollutants, please refer to the Air Quality Color Code Guide

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking is the best way to slow the progression of COPD! Quitting is not easy but it could give you more energy, reduce your risk of other health problems and even save your life.

Available help to manage your COPD.

Your doctor can be of enormous help to work with you in management of your COPD. Schedule regular appointment and keep those appointments. A case manager is also available to work with you (Carolina Access Patients) as you learn to manage your COPD.