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 and breathing apparatus | Therapy of a COPD
Infection prophylaxis Since COPD patients are susceptible to infections, especially of the respiratory tract, vaccinations against e.g. influenza or bacteria (e.g. pneumococcus) may be indicated as prophylaxis. Due to the chronic inflammation in the area of the respiratory tract, COPD patients have an increased risk of lung infections. One of the reasons for this is … Infection prophylaxis | Therapy of a COPD
Tiredness Due to the obstruction in COPD, the air can only be exhaled from the lungs by increasing the work of breathing. This leads to increased air retention in the lungs. This air, however, is not as rich in oxygen as the freshly inhaled air. Depending on the proportion of “old” air in the lungs, … Tiredness | COPD symptoms
Classification The diagnosis of COPD is divided into the four pillars. The pillars consist of: Physical examination Collection of laboratory parameters Pulmonary function test Imaging techniques Physical examination The diagnosis begins with a conversation (anamnesis) about the symptoms, followed by a detailed physical examination by the doctor. This clinical examination for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease … Diagnosis of COPD
Introduction COPD is one of the most common lung diseases in Germany. Especially the consumption of cigarettes is associated with the development of the disease. COPD is accompanied by a typical symptom pattern, which typically worsens as the disease progresses. Overview of symptoms of COPD COPD is characterized by various symptoms, among which are The … COPD symptoms
Sputum when coughing Sputum is the term used to describe material that is additionally transported out of the respiratory tract when coughing. Depending on the underlying disease, the sputum takes on different colours and consistencies. In COPD the sputum is often white-glass or white-foamy. Especially in COPD, which is caused by regular smoking, the sput … Sputum when coughing | COPD symptoms
Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the most common respiratory disease in Germany. People with COPD suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This term describes a group of lung diseases that are all associated with an increasing narrowing of the small airways. COPD is favoured by inhaled noxious agents, such as cigarette smoking. Symptoms … COPD
Classification of COPD in stadiums COPD is divided into different stages, depending on the severity of the disease. One possible classification divides the disease into four different stages based on values obtained from the lung function test. Stage 1 is the mildest severity, stage 4 is the most severe form of the disease. Alternatively, the … Classification of COPD in stadiums | COPD
Secondary diseases of a COPD The pulmonary emphysema describes a progressive conversion and degradation of the lung tissue with a decrease in the gas-exchange surface. The reason for this is the narrowing (= obstruction) of the airways. This leads to more difficult exhalation with only slightly impaired inhalation. This leads to over-inflation of the lungs … Secondary diseases of a COPD | COPD
Prognosis and complications of COPD The narrowing (obstruction) of the airways is usually progressive and leads to increasing physical limitations. The remodelling of the lung tissue puts a strain on the heart, as it must now pump against the altered lung tissue. The lung tissue reacts by increasing the size of the muscle tissue which … Prognosis and complications of COPD | COPD
Level of care for COPD A level of long-term care can be applied for if a person is no longer able to meet his or her basic needs (personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility) independently due to illness. Depending on the severity of the illness, the person concerned is assigned to a care level. Care level I … Level of care for COPD | COPD
Causes of COPD The term COPD is mainly used to describe chronic inflammation of the airways (chronic bronchitis) and the restructuring of the lung architecture (pulmonary emphysema). Many factors contribute to its development. The most frequent cause of chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways is a long-lasting inflammation and increased production of mucus in … Causes of COPD | COPD
