Tips for management of COPD

Aug 20 2010

What is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States? Many would be surprised to learn that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is, and the number of people with COPD is increasing. According to the COPD Foundation, more than 12 million Americans are currently diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million may not realize their shortness of breath and coughing are in fact symptoms of this debilitating condition.

Although such symptoms can begin as a mild annoyance, they can get worse with time. Eventually patients find themselves short of breath doing simple activities, like preparing a meal or getting dressed.

But there is reason for hope.

Once diagnosed with COPD, often also referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, there are multiple treatment options and ways to manage the disease and improve one's quality of life.  

The COPD Foundation offers multiple tips for better breathing and managing the often debilitating disease.

• Avoid triggers and exposure to pollutants - Stay away from things such as dust, strong fumes and cigarette smoke that could irritate your lungs. Also, stay indoors as much as possible when the outside air quality is poor. It is best to avoid crowds during flu season and it is a good idea to get an annual flu shot.
• Try various breathing techniques such as:
  • Pursed-lip breathing - Inhale through your nose for four seconds. Then exhale through your mouth for six-to-eight seconds, with your lips almost closed.
  • Belly breathing - Breathing with your diaphragm makes more space for your lungs to take in air.
  • Bend forward - Bending at the waist helps the diaphragm move more easily, allowing more air to fill the lungs. You can sit or stand with this technique, as long as you lean slightly forward from the waist, keeping your back straight.
• Consider a change in lifestyle
  • Eat well - It is especially important for a COPD sufferer to eat a well balanced diet. Emphysema patients tend to be very thin and should include plenty of nutrients and supplements in their diet. Bronchitis patients on the other hand may be overweight, which places extra burden on the lungs.
  • Quit smoking - It is never too late to kick the habit.

Changing lifestyle habits, avoiding triggers and practicing breathing techniques may only go so far. A physician may recommend oxygen therapy for patients with severe COPD. To some, oxygen therapy is viewed as a death sentence because they think of the heavy oxygen tanks that must be wheeled behind them. Oxygen therapy patients no longer need to view their supplemental oxygen prescription as a homebound sentence. Bulky oxygen tanks and carts may one day be obsolete thanks to the LifeChoice® Oxygen Concentrator, a new home medical product for supplemental oxygen users.

"It is lighter and more compact than anything that I have seen," Dr. Robert Emerson, Chief of Pulmonary Medicine at the Austin Diagnostic Clinic, said.  "As a pulmonary specialist who sees many COPD patients weekly, I notice a tremendous difference in those who use a portable oxygen concentrator, such as the LifeChoice®, versus those who lug around heavy tanks."

LifeChoice by Inova Labs is the smallest stationary and portable oxygen concentrator available, weighing less than five pounds. It offers true mobility for its users and allows them the freedom to again experience simple joys such as walking outside without cumbersome equipment.

"We have had numerous patients send us personal thank you notes expressing their deep gratitude for inventing something that has transformed how they live with COPD," David Shockley Jr., Inova Labs president, said.

The LifeChoice, with the patent pending Sleep Mode technology, is the only portable concentrator system designed with endless oxygen pulse for round-the-clock use.