Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Patient Information and Daily Care Plan

Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Patient Information and Daily Care Plan

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and develops progressively, associated with an abnormal inflammatory response to noxious gases or particles. COPD mainly affects lungs but can also cause systemic (or extrapulmonary) side effects.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): avoid smoking

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), two lung conditions make breathing difficult. Chronic bronchitis inflames and narrows airways (bronchi) that produce mucus, while emphysema destroys parts of lungs. If you smoke, quitting smoking can prevent further lung damage. Even passive smoking can make COPD worse, so try to avoid it. To help you quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke, look for effective options!

Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Patient Information and Daily Care Plan

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): bronchodilators

Your doctor may prescribe bronchodilators to help relax muscles around your airways and make breathing easier. Short-acting bronchodilators provide short-term, rapid relief, while long-acting bronchodilators provide long-term spasm relief and are often given at night. Bronchodilators are usually administered as inhaled preparations.

Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Patient Information and Daily Care Plan

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): corticosteroids for inflammation

Corticosteroids, also known as steroids, help reduce mucus production and inflammation in lungs, making it easier to breathe. Most people with COPD take corticosteroids by inhaler, but sometimes they take them in tablet form. If you are taking steroids for a long time, you may need to increase your calcium (Ga) intake, so talk to your doctor about whether you need calcium supplements or changes in your diet to get enough calcium.

Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Patient Information and Daily Care Plan

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): vaccination ----- prevention of influenza and pneumonia

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you are at a higher risk of complications from infections such as influenza and pneumonia. You will want to do everything you can to reduce your risk of getting sick. You should get a seasonal flu shot every year and a pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine as needed.

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): infections and antibiotics

Infections can make COPD worse. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will recommend antibiotics to treat and control infection. Be sure to take your full course of antibiotics. Even if you start to feel well and have no clinical symptoms, you still need to take antibiotics as directed. If you stop taking antibiotics too soon, bacteria can develop resistance, making it harder to treat infection.

Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Patient Information and Daily Care Plan

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): oxygen therapy

The lungs are vital for getting oxygen you need, but COPD reduces lung function. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe "supplemental oxygen". In addition to helping restore normal bodily functions, it can also increase your stamina and improve your sleep.

COPD treatment: cardiothoracic surgery (surgery)

In rare cases of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), doctors may recommend lung surgery if treatment doesn't work. Although procedures such as lung volume reduction surgery are not suitable for everyone, they can improve lung capacity and your ability to breathe. This procedure removes 20-30% of most affected lung tissue, leaving healthiest part of lung for better surgery. In other severe cases, a lung transplant is another option.

Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Patient Information and Daily Care Plan

Nutritional Support: Eat well and breathe better.

What and how much you eat affects quality of your breath. For example, a very full stomach can make breathing difficult. In order not to feel full, try to eat four to six small meals a day instead of three large ones. In general, eat a nutritious and balanced diet and get physically active to help your body stay strong and boost your immunity.

Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) Patient Information and Daily Care Plan

Rehabilitation program

Pulmonary rehabilitation includes exercise, disease management, nutrition, and counseling to help you feel better and stay active. You will learn how to keep fit and manage shortness of breath to improve your quality of life, reduce hospital stays and improve your athletic performance.