COPD Management
COPD management increasingly aims at improving the quality of life and independence of our patients.
The outlook for COPD varies from person to person. The condition cannot be cured or reversed, but for many people, treatment can help keep it under control so it does not severely limit their daily activities.
Different ways to manage COPD
The management strategy is to control symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and reduce the risk of hospitalisation. Before the respiratory failure phase, therapeutic management is based on the following factors:
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Quit Smoking
The first factor in preventing the progression of the disease -
Practice Physical Activity
Physical activity and weight monitoring -
Get Vaccinated
Flu and pneumococcal vaccination to prevent lung infections -
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Is indicated in some conditions -
Tips to manage COPD
Oxygen therapy helps to reduce COPD symptoms
More about Pulmonary Rehabilitation
It is indicated in cases of dyspnea (feeling short of breath) or when the person has a decrease in daily activities and exercise intolerance . In these conditions, pulmonary rehabilitation brings many benefits : it improves quality of life, providing greater tolerance to effort, reduces dyspnea, anxiety and even depression associated with COPD, in addition to reducing the number of hospitalisations.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is based on comprehensive care by a physiotherapist or a Nurse specialist. A series of 12 to 20 sessions is organised, including physical activity (weight training, stress exercises), respiratory physiotherapy and therapeutic education.
Respiratory rehabilitation brings many benefits
When COPD progresses to chronic respiratory failure...
When COPD progresses to chronic respiratory failure and constitutes a disabling condition for the person, the physician may prescribe long-term home oxygen therapy . At this advanced stage, emphysema in the lungs leads to blood oxygenation problems. Unable to guarantee gas exchange with inspired air, the alveoli no longer allow the delivery of oxygen to the body (hypoxemia).
Long-term oxygen therapy treatment (LTOT) can help maintain normal blood oxygen levels by administering O² enriched air from oxygen cylinders or oxygen concentrator sources.
COPD involves comprehensive multidisciplinary care and requires the co-ordination of different health and social care professionals.
