Questions and Answers
Right off, I can't answer your question directly ... Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has many faces ... in any one patient, the generalized airways obstruction may result from,usually, a combination of asthma, chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Your individual pattern will have been established by your respirologist and your therapeutic regimen designed appropriately. A real problem in apparent indifferent response to individual regimen is the fact that because of its relative complexity, many patients don't adhere to it ... it's most important to do exactly as prescribed!
It's likely that early on, you and your family will have been educated about COPD so that combined with prescribed therapy your quality of life would have been improved (tender, loving care by near ones has a big role to play). An exercising or conditioning programme is one of the most important aspects of management (walking, water aerobics and riding a stationary bike, are useful) - by improving general fitness, respiratory muscles are strengthened. Quitting smoking is essential, and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, car exhaust, paint, aerosols, etc. whenever possible.
Poor nutrition is common - it's very important to eat a well-balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Shortness of breath and fatigue can interfere with your ability to eat a balanced diet. Smaller, more frequent meals may be better tolerated. Keep well hydrated.
It's important to avoid infection - influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are generally recommended. Good hand washing will also help to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
Medication may include bronchodilators, (some people are helped with inhaled or oral steroids), antibiotics are often used to treat infection, for some, expectorants can help to clear mucus from the airways.
In addition to medications, good bronchial hygiene can help to get rid of mucus in the airway - some may benefit from chest physiotherapy. Learning new breathing techniques will help to move more air in and out with less effort.
Some people with insufficient oxygen in the blood may benefit from supplemental oxygen - some may need oxygen only with activity or while sleeping; others may need it 24 hours a day.
Please regard the above as only a thumb-nail sketch, something to compare with your personal experience - a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programme includes medical and nursing management, education, physical conditioning, nutrition counseling and consideration of psychological and social needs. A successful pulmonary rehabilitation programme addresses the needs of each person and tailors the treatment to meet those needs. In the United States, a leading center for information is :-
National Jewish Medical and Research Center,
1400 Jackson Street,
Denver, Colorado 80206
'Phone (800) 222 LUNG(5864)
- give them a call.
A good indicator of prognosis is the respirometric measurement of the decrease in FEV (forced expiratory volume), - the results will enable the respirologist to estimate mortality, especially if the individual has chronic hypercapnia (increased carbon dioxide in the blood), and/or the presence of cor pulmonary (enlargement of the right ventrical of the heart).
Hope this is of some help -
Best wishes.