Therapy
The therapeutic approaches for COPD are manifold. Of course, a combination of several treatment approaches is chosen in order to help patients in the best possible way according to their individual needs. Drug therapy Here, mainly drugs are used that cause the bronchial tubes to dilate.
These so-called bronchodilators include beta-2 sympathomimetics, anticholinergics and, more rarely, theophylline. In later stages of the disease, beta-2 sympathomimetics are often combined with corticosteroids, as these also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Physical activity This is not the same as exercise, but means that COPD patients should continue to perform their daily activities, such as household chores or shopping.
Exercise plays an important role in maintaining the respiratory muscles. Adapting living conditions Patients with COPD should stop smoking immediately and adapt their living habits and movement patterns to the disease with the help of experts. Vaccination Regular flu and pneumococcal vaccinations are recommended for COPD patients to prevent respiratory tract infections.
Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is a large field in the non-drug therapy of COPD. In individual sessions with the physiotherapist, patients learn certain breathing techniques to reduce shortness of breath, breath-facilitating postures and techniques to cough up secretions more easily. Specific exercises can also be useful to build up the weakened respiratory muscles and have a positive influence on the course of the disease.
Exercises
1) Lip Brake The lip brake is a breathing technique designed to relax the airways.Breathe in normally and then place your lips loosely on top of each other, so that you have to breathe against a resistance when exhaling through your mouth. This back pressure of air increases the air pressure on the bronchi so that they do not collapse. 2) Diaphragm/abdominal breathing This technique is intended to reduce the work of breathing.
For the exercise, lie on your back and fold your hands over your abdomen. Now try to breathe in such a way that your abdomen rises and falls significantly as you breathe. The easiest way to do this is to breathe in through your nose and out with the lip brake.
3) Stretching of the chest Lie on your side with your legs bent. Lift the upper arm behind the head. Now turn your upper body slowly backwards while inhaling, your knees stay together on the floor.
When breathing out, return to the starting position. 4) Stretching of the chest Sit or stand straight and upright. The arms hang loosely beside the body.
Now, while inhaling, lead your right arm straight up and slightly to the left side, so that your upper body leans slightly to the left. When breathing out, return to the starting position and repeat the whole thing with your left arm. If you are still looking for more exercises, read the following articles:
- Exercises against inhalation pain
- Breathing exercises
