Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness

Articles

Nov 1

During the month of November, the National Lung, Heart, and Blood Institute recognizes, National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month. Their aim is to focus on increasing awareness of this disease because with early diagnosis and beginning treatment, patients with this disease can find ways to improve their overall quality of life. With more conversation around what the symptoms of COPD are, individuals can take notice and potentially seek and receive treatment earlier.

Many people suffering with chronic diseases drastically change their lives to adapt to their new level of ability. Some individuals will cease engaging in activities that they previously enjoyed or lose positions they once held and become anxious and depressed. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy are all helpful options for those living with a chronic condition like COPD to improve quality of life.

Signs of COPD

Typically, symptoms of COPD are present when there has been lung damage already. Individuals usually notice signs like shortness of breath, fatigue, a productive cough with mucus, sudden weight loss, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and joint swelling.

Causes of COPD

Most instances of COPD occur due to smoking tobacco. Chronic smokers can develop COPD but not all. Others may develop other lung conditions or experience reduced lung function. There are many irritants that can cause lung damage and lead to COPD in addition to cigarette smoking such as secondhand smoke, pollution, and exposure to smoke, excessive dust, or fumes. Genetic factors also exist that can contribute to someone’s susceptibility to developing this chronic disease.

Living with COPD

COPD affects the lungs and reduces a person’s ability to continue doing their normal activities as they once enjoyed. In addition to altering a person’s life, it can present other challenges. Those with COPD are more likely to catch other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Heart attack and heart disease also become high risk for those with COPD. High blood pressure may occur due to COPD as well. With so many considerations to contend with, living with COPD can become burdensome and cause many to experience anxiety and depression. Although there are many things that require adjustment after being diagnosed with COPD, skilled individuals like occupational, physical, or speech therapists can assist individuals in adapting to a new level of ability.

Occupational Therapy for COPD

ADLs or “Activities of Daily Living,” are the tasks an individual needs to perform each day sustain themselves and care for themselves. COPD can change a person’s ability to go about their routine ADLs. Occupational therapists can work with individuals to modify their ADLs to lead to better efficiency for their life. Patients with COPD can take back a more active role in their life by working with an OT to establish ADLs that have a positive and empowering impact.

Physical Therapy for COPD

If physical activity is limited or ceasing due to COPD, it can lead to weakening of muscles and overall coordination. Some people will cease engaging in physical activity they once enjoyed because they fear the symptoms of COPD such as shortness of breath. Physical therapy can help increase exercise capacity and strengthen the muscles used for breathing deeply through specific exercise. Physical therapists can also work with individuals to improve overall strength to reduce the risk of a fall.

Speech Therapy for COPD

COPD can affect an individual’s ability to breathe and swallow. Coordinating breathing and swallowing can be disrupted by COPD which can lead to other problems with diet, hydration, and nutrition. Speech therapy can be helpful for those with COPD to assess your ability to breathe and swallow. Exercises implemented by your speech-language pathologist can help you strengthen the muscles used in breathing and swallowing to ensure your safety and health.

Although there are many challenges present for individuals diagnosed with COPD, there are steps you can take to improve your overall quality of life and maximize independence. Working with occupational, physical, or speech therapists can help you in any stage of the disease to help you manage your daily activities and work on strengthening your breathing capacity. It is important that those with COPD still engage in activities that they enjoy, get the exercise their body needs, and maintain nutrition and a healthy diet. Since anxiety and depression are commonly present after a chronic disease diagnosis, taking the steps to work with others to adjust your lifestyle is a positive way to approach a new way of living.

Many resources exist for patients with COPD. You can learn how to prevent making the condition worse or causing an exacerbation, find tools to learn about nutrition for lung health, ideas for physical activity, and more. Support is a critical element of care for patients with COPD, so take the steps to promote awareness for COPD this month and in the future. Help others reach out to therapists and learn about how they can improve their quality of life living with COPD.

Looking to get started with a therapist at Tilton’s Therapy? Visit our locations page to find out more about services available near you. Our team of occupational, physical, and speech therapists serve communities across four regions. Get started by registering a new patient in your region.

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