Oxygen and breathing apparatus
In some cases oxygen therapy may be indicated. In this case, the affected persons are supplied with oxygen via a nasal probe, which can also be carried out at home. Breathing masks worn at night are intended to promote relaxation during sleep.
A device ensures regular, sufficient breathing with an adequate oxygen supply. The administration of oxygen does not depend on the stage classification of COPD (GOLD stages). Instead, it depends on the oxygen saturation (sO2 value) in the blood.
This indicates what percentage of the blood is saturated with oxygen – that is, how much oxygen is distributed through the blood in the human body. Normally this value is more than 95%. In very severe COPD, the mucus in the airways can lead to lower oxygen saturation in the blood.
The drugs administered as part of COPD therapy cannot expand the airways sufficiently to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen. The patient can only absorb sufficient oxygen by breathing in and out deeply. During exertion there is increasingly severe shortness of breath.
For these reasons, the administration of oxygen becomes necessary. This can simultaneously relieve the breathing muscles. With the help of oxygen, the mobility and quality of life of patients can often be improved again. An extensive, independent supply as well as the ability to cover longer distances are thus made possible.
What are the benefits of physical therapy?
In addition to drug therapy, physiotherapy is recommended for COPD. This depends on the individual severity and the symptoms of COPD. It serves to strengthen the respiratory muscles, mobilise the mucus in the lungs, relieve coughing attacks and optimise the effectiveness of the COPD medication.
Breath training or respiratory physiotherapy is a frequent component of physiotherapy. So-called PEP systems (positive expiratory pressure) create excess pressure in the lungs, which allows the stuck mucus to be released within the airways. Breathing training with the help of these PEP systems can also be carried out at home.
What is the benefit of pulmonary exercise?
Pulmonary exercise includes any breathing training to improve mobility and quality of life in COPD. Regular exercise strengthens the respiratory muscles, allowing for deeper inhalation and exhalation and providing the body with more oxygen. In addition, by learning special breathing techniques (e.g. lip-braking), lung collapse during exhalation can be prevented and breathing without shortness of breath can be made possible.
Finally, learning how to cough up the mucus effectively and gently can also lead to a release of the airways. Supportive respiratory exercises should be performed to strengthen the muscles. This includes exercises such as the metered lip brake.
After inhalation, exhale again against a resistance created by almost closed lips. The pressure in the airways is thereby increased and thus counteracts a narrowing and collapse of the airways. It serves to strengthen the respiratory muscles, ventilate all areas of the lungs and mobilise mucus.
