Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

"It's my own fault." "I have no right to complain." "I brought this on myself." Do any of these feelings sound familiar? If so, you're not alone.

Many people with COPD have to live not only with the disease, but also with feelings of guilt. About 80% of the time, COPD is caused by smoking, and smokers with COPD often blame themselves for getting the disease. People with job exposure to chemicals and pollution (another cause of COPD) may feel guilt about the role their work played in their COPD.

These feelings of guilt can keep you from getting the help you need for your COPD. People with COPD guilt may avoid talking to their doctor about COPD because they are afraid of being judged and because they feel that they have no right to complain about their symptoms. They may also feel that they have to just accept COPD symptoms as part of the consequences of their actions, rather than getting treatment that could help. They may not feel that they deserve to get better.

In order to work through your feelings of guilt, the first step is to accept that these feelings are part of the process of dealing with a chronic illness like COPD. Here are a few things you can try to work through these feelings:

• Remember that you can only move forward, not backward. Forgive yourself for the things you feel guilty about in the past – there is no way to go back and change what has happened. Instead, focus on what you can do today to manage your COPD and improve your health.
• Talk with a trusted friend, family member or counsellor. Consider joining a COPD support group.

Turn the strong emotions connected to your guilt towards a positive end. You deserve to have your COPD properly treated. So don't let guilt stand in your way – use this strength of feeling to motivate you to talk to your doctor about finding an optimal treatment plan for your COPD.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Chronic-Obstructive-Pulmonary-Disease

When it comes to managing your COPD, are you doing all you can?

Try these 4 tips to get the most from your COPD treatment:

1. Know your COPD treatments and how to use them.

Do you sometimes wonder what all of your COPD treatments are for and when to use them? Are you unsure if you are using your medications (especially inhalers) the right way? Do you occasionally miss doses of medication?

If so, it's time to talk to your doctor about your COPD treatment.

2. Keep track of your symptoms and flare-ups.

COPD treatment is based on how severe your COPD is (mild, moderate or severe) and how many flare-ups (COPD exacerbations) you have. Keep track of your COPD symptoms and flare-ups, and discuss this information with your doctor at each appointment. This can help you and your doctor make sure you are on the most appropriate COPD treatment for your level of severity.

If your COPD symptoms are bothering you or if you have frequent flare ups, it is important to speak to your doctor as best treatment is highly individualized.

3. Have a COPD action plan and keep it up to date.

A COPD action plan is a written plan that helps you tell if you are having a COPD flare-up (also called a COPD exacerbation) and know how to take care of yourself when this happens. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about COPD action plans and what yours should look like.

4. See your doctor regularly, and speak up about your questions and concerns.

COPD is a chronic disease that can get worse over time. To make sure your COPD treatment is optimal for your COPD symptoms and severity, visit your doctor regularly. Ask your doctor how often you should have a check-up.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Chronic-Obstructive-Pulmonary-Disease

Find out whether some common beliefs about COPD are facts or myths.

Fact or myth? COPD is usually diagnosed while it's still mild.

This is a myth. COPD is a chronic disease that takes time to develop. Many people with COPD don't even know they have it. By the time people recognize the symptoms and get help, the disease has often become quite advanced. Most people already have moderate or severe COPD by the time they are diagnosed.

It's important to catch COPD early when it is easier to treat and there is less lung damage. If you have been noticing COPD symptoms such as a persistent cough, coughing up phlegm (pronounced "flem"), or shortness of breath, see your doctor.

Fact or myth? COPD can be cured by moving to a dry climate.

It's a myth that COPD can be cured by moving to a dry climate

COPD is a chronic condition. That means it's with you every day.

Although a drier climate may reduce some of your triggers for flare-ups, it may also introduce new ones.

There's no cure for COPD. But you can manage your COPD by following the treatment plan and lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor.

Fact or myth? Using my COPD maintenance medication every day will eventually cause it to become less effective and I should not use it regularly.

You should still continue to use your COPD maintenance medications on a regular basis, even if you're feeling better.

COPD is a chronic condition with symptoms that can change and get worse over time. It is important to keep using your medication as directed by your doctor even if you are feeling better.

An important part of managing your COPD is knowing how to use your medication correctly. Regularly taking a few minutes to review the proper inhalation technique with your doctor or pharmacist can help you get the most from your treatment.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Chronic-Obstructive-Pulmonary-Disease

Here are the answers to some common questions about managing COPD:

Q: Is there a test to see if my COPD is well managed?

A: Yes. Helping to manage your COPD includes regularly checking your condition. Talk to your doctor about how often you should schedule appointments to help with managing your COPD. Consider using a symptom tracker that you can bring to your appointment.

An important part of managing your COPD is knowing how to use your treatments correctly. Regularly taking a few minutes to review the proper inhalation technique can help you get the most from your treatment.

Q: I'm using my COPD medications as prescribed. Is there anything else I can do?

A: Yes, there are many things you can do to help manage your COPD:

• Ask your doctor to help you complete a COPD action plan. A COPD action plan is a written plan that helps you determine if you are having COPD flare-ups (also called a COPD exacerbation). It also helps give you guidance on how to take care of yourself when a flare-up happens.
• Track your COPD symptoms and be sure to write down how they are affecting your life. Bring the results to your doctor and discuss whether your treatment needs to be adjusted. Ask your doctor whether you are on an appropriate treatment for your level of severity (e.g., mild, moderate or severe COPD).
• Make sure you know what each of your COPD medications is for and how to properly use it.
• Ask your doctor which vaccines you need.
• Ask your doctor about whether you would benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Chronic-Obstructive-Pulmonary-Disease

When you have COPD, preventing chest infections becomes more important than ever.

In Canada, research has shown that at least half of all COPD flare-ups (COPD exacerbations) are infectious in nature. COPD flare-ups can be caused by viral infections (such as the flu) or bacterial infections (such as bacterial pneumonia). A bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics will not treat viral infections.

Following these 10 tips can help you prevent chest infections that can affect your breathing and lead to flare-ups.

10 Tips for Preventing Infection

1. Have a flu shot each year.

   Vaccinations are your best protection against illnesses such as the flu. The Canadian Lung Association recommends that most people with COPD receive a flu vaccine every year. Get your flu shot every fall before flu season. Ask your healthcare professional for more information. Also, talk to your doctor about your pneumonia vaccination schedule.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly:

   • after coughing and sneezing
   • before and after preparing food
   • after handling raw meat
   • before and after eating
   • after petting an animal
   • after using the restroom
   • after touching public objects such as revolving doors, transit poles, and elevator buttons
   • after shaking hands or handling a shared article such as a pen

   Proper hand washing – or using an alcohol-based hand rub – is the most effective way to protect yourself against many infectious diseases, including the flu and common cold.

   Hand washing not only helps prevent you from getting sick, but it also reduces the risk of infecting others.

3. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw out the tissues as soon as you've used them. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve. Avoid sneezing or coughing into your hand.
4. Clean the surfaces in your home and office regularly. Shared objects (doorknobs, light switches, telephones, keyboards) quickly collect and spread germs.
5. Keep bar soap in a self-draining holder that can be cleaned thoroughly before a new bar is added.
6. Don't use one damp washcloth to wash more than one pair of hands.
7. Use running water to rinse your hands.
8. Avoid using common hand towels.
9. Only use cleaning cloths or sponges that are changed daily and washed with detergent.
10. If you are prescribed an antibiotic for a chest infection, be sure to take your prescription as directed by your doctor. Not taking all of your antibiotics can lead to stronger infections that are harder to treat.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Chronic-Obstructive-Pulmonary-Disease

Managing COPD can feel overwhelming at times. These tips can make it easier for you to cope:

1. Stay Connected

Join a COPD support group. Support groups can be found online as well as in your local community. People who are successfully coping with COPD are eager to listen to your concerns and share useful health and lifestyle tips.

2. Exercise

COPD can trap you in a downward spiral of inactivity. It starts by COPD making you feel breathless and tired. Being tired leads to inactivity that can weaken your heart and lungs... causing you to feel even more breathless.

Regular exercise interrupts this cycle. You don't need to start with anything difficult or strenuous. Your exercise can begin as simply as walking outside for a breath of fresh air.

Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

3. Reach a healthy weight

Ask your doctor what your healthy weight range should be. The extremes of underweight or overweight are especially unhealthy for people with COPD.

If you are overweight:

Excess fat around the stomach can press on your diaphragm, making breathing more difficult. Consider reducing excess weight by avoiding high-calorie food and drinks. A certified dietician can help you choose healthy, nourishing foods. Getting regular physical activity will also help.

If you are underweight:

Not getting enough calories (food energy) leads to tiredness and shortness of breath. If you need more energy, try ready-to-eat high calorie foods combined with nutritional supplements. You can also try eating frequent small meals instead of 3 large meals each day. Or ask your doctor to refer you to a certified dietitian.

4. See your doctor regularly

COPD is a chronic condition that can get worse over time. Regular visits to the doctor can help you make sure you are on an appropriate treatment plan for your COPD. To get the most from your visit:

• Bring your COPD symptom tracker if you're using one.
• Bring a copy of your COPD action plan to each visit. You should update your action plan at least twice a year.
• At each visit, ask your doctor if anything has changed with your COPD and whether your treatment needs to be adjusted.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Chronic-Obstructive-Pulmonary-Disease