November is COPD Awareness Month

COPD Awareness Month

Causes

Long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and the airways usually is the cause of COPD.

In the United States, the most common irritant that causes COPD is cigarette smoke. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke also can cause COPD, especially if the smoke is inhaled. E-cigarettes or vaping worsens COPD.

Breathing in secondhand smoke, which is in the air from other people smoking; air pollution; or chemical fumes or dusts from the environment or workplace also can cause and contribute to COPD.

Prevention

You can take steps to prevent COPD before it starts. If you already have COPD, you can take steps to prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease.

The best way to prevent COPD is to not start smoking or to quit smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit.

If you have trouble quitting smoking on your own, consider joining a support group. Many hospitals, workplaces, and community groups offer classes to help people quit smoking. Ask your family members and friends to support you in your efforts to quit.

Also, try to avoid lung irritants that can contribute to COPD, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, dusts, and secondhand smoke, which is smoke in the air from other people smoking.

Signs and Symptoms

At first, COPD may cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, symptoms usually become more severe. Common signs and symptoms of COPD include:

• An ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus; this is often called smoker’s cough.
• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
• Wheezing or a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
• Chest tightness

Severe COPD can cause other symptoms, such as swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs; weight loss; and lower muscle endurance.

Some severe symptoms may require treatment in a hospital. You—or, if you are unable, family members or friends—should seek emergency care for you if you are experiencing the following:

• You are having a hard time catching your breath or talking.
• Your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray, a sign of a low oxygen level in your blood.
• People around you notice that you are not mentally alert.
• Your heartbeat is very fast.
• The recommended treatment for symptoms that are getting worse is not working.

Signature Health Services Can Help with Vital Home Healthcare Services for your COPD Patient

Skilled Nursing Services

• Medication education
• Recognizing signs and symptoms
• Disease process education
• Education about breathing exercises
• Education about clearing your airway
• Education about conserving energy
• Fall risk identification and reduction
• Deep-breathing techniques training
• Forming a treatment plan for patient use at home
• Education about proper diet and nutritional care
• Pulmonary rehabilitation

Occupational Therapy

• Energy conservation for ADLs 
• Home safety and balance training
• Oxygen management training

Physical Therapy

• Assistive devices evaluation and training 
• Balance and strength training 
• Customized home exercise program 
• Percussion or chest physical therapy 
• Oxygen saturation assessment and management
• Proper inhaler use and respiratory equipment management 
• Medication reminders

Treatment

Treatment consists of self-care, skilled nursing and therapy services at home, and bronchodilators

• Rescue inhalers and inhaled or oral steroids can help control symptoms and minimize further damage.

Medications

• Bronchodilator
• Steroid

Supportive care

• Oxygen therapy

Self-care

• Physical exercise
• Quitting smoking
• Diaphragmatic breathing

Therapies

• Pulmonary rehabilitation