Possibilities of therapy The therapy of COPD consists of the following measures and must be adapted individually. – Avoid triggering noxae Drugs Oxygen therapy and breathing apparatus Night-time breathing apparatuses Respiratory gymnastics Infection prophylaxis Avoiding noxious substances Very important in therapy is to find the triggering factors of COPD and to eliminate them if possible. … Therapy of a COPD
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
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
Frequency of COPD Chronic bronchitis is the most common chronic lung disease. Approximately 20% of all men suffer from it. Women are significantly less affected. For every woman who is ill, there are 3 – 4 ill men. It is estimated that about 44 million people are affected worldwide. In Germany about 15% of the … Frequency of COPD | COPD
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
What is meant by breathing exercises in COPD? Breathing exercises in COPD are special exercises that sufferers can perform at home or at work independently and without the use of aids. The breathing exercises consist, for example, of postures or positions that make breathing easier (e.g. coach seat), coughing techniques or the so-called lip-brake. In … Breathing exercises for COPD
The duration and frequency of breathing exercises in COPD The duration and frequency of the use of breathing exercises in COPD is subject to individual judgment as necessary. In general, it is recommended that breathing exercises be performed regularly several times a day. Especially in cases of acute shortness of breath or after heavy physical … The duration and frequency of breathing exercises in COPD | Breathing exercises for COPD
