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Health & Fitness

COPD Affecting the Elderly

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, an estimated 12 million adults have been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

WHAT IS COPD ?

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease focuses on the painful conditions associated with breathing which may arise from any long-term (chronic) lung damage. It causes the airways tubes to become partially blocked by which the air is carried in and out of the lungs.

COPD is believed to be irreversible, but with proper treatment and care, the intensity of this disease will gradually slow down, improving upon the quality of living.

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Smoking, environmental exposure (pollutants) and genetic factors are believed to cause COPD.

 

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 SYMPTOMS OF COPD

  • Constant coughing ("smoker's cough")
  • Excess sputum
  • Cannot breathe properly
  • Cannot take deep breath
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness in breath doing normal activities

 

 DIAGNOSIS OF COPD

People having the above mentioned symptoms should get tested for COPD. It is done with a test called spirometry.

Spirometry helps to detect COPD before symptoms get severe. The method is simple and non-invasive (non-surgical), that involves a breathing test. This test measures the amount of air (volume) the patient can blow out of the lungs, and how quickly it can be carried out (flow).

 This test allows the doctor can determine whether the person has COPD, or its severity, and hence initiate treatment, if required.

 

COPD AFFECTING THE ELDERLY

 COPD affects millions of elderly people worldwide, and this is more dangerous because the elder people might suffer from weak immune system or other chronic health conditions that may aggravate COPD.

 

PREVENTING COPD IN THE ELDERLY

Elderly people can initiate certain steps by themselves to reduce the risk of this disease.

  • Quit Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains tar, carcinogens and many other deadly chemicals that can aggravate COPD and other lung complications. Quit smoking, or escape from any such smoking environment that the patient might be exposed.

 

  • Avoid Exposure to pollutants: Stay away from dust, strong fumes and other irritants that might exasperate the lungs.

 

  • Take precautions against Flu: During flu season, avoid crowds. Get flu shots and pneumonia vaccine, if required. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs to which the elderly are more at risk due to frailty, weakened immune system or other health conditions.

 

TREATMENT METHODS FOR COPD

Bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, aerosol therapy, corticosteroids and antibiotics are commonly used to treat COPD. In difficult cases, surgery may also be required.

While there is no cure for COPD, there are treatments that can effectively ease symptoms, cut the risk of complications, and improve a patient’s quality of life. Heartwarming Care experienced at working with COPD patients and their family members to manage symptoms and ensure that the patient’s home is a safe and symptom-free environment. Visit our website for free downloadable tools and tips.

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