How the Weather Effects COPD
Posted on Nov 07, 2009
The weather can have an effect on your COPD.
Talking about the weather could help many Americans breathe a little easier.
Extremely warm or cool weather brings more than discomfort to the estimated 24 million people in the U.S. who may have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)–a progressive, but preventable and treatable lung condition that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. The weather can also bring a worsening of COPD symptoms.
COPD is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe and, over time, interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily physical activities. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD, but environmental or workplace conditions may also cause the condition. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, regular coughing (sometimes with phlegm or mucus) and wheezing. Hot, humid air and an increase in ozone pollution during warm months can make the symptoms of COPD worse. In fact, studies show that people with breathing problems, including the elderly, are more likely to be hospitalized on hot, humid days.
But cold temperatures have an effect, too. Combined with strong winds during the cool months, low temperatures are known to trigger complications, as well as cause fatigue, in some people with COPD. Additionally, breathing cold, dry air shrinks the airways in some people with emphysema, making breathing more difficult.
“Extreme seasonal changes may irritate airways and cause people with COPD to experience severe symptoms, such as trouble catching their breath,” said Jill Karpel, M.D., Attending Physician, North Shore University Hospital, Long Island, N.Y.” It is important for people with COPD to avoid conditions that can worsen their breathing; they should also work with their physician to appropriately manage their condition, which may include rescue and daily medication.”
COPD ranks as the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, and is projected to become the third-leading fatal illness by the year 2020.
Patients, caregivers, physicians, family members and friends can visit www.COPDguide.com to learn more about COPD. The Web site was made possible through support from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
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The Flu Shot for COPD Patients
Posted on Nov 05, 2009
"As a mother, I help protect my family every year against influenza by making sure we all get vaccinated," said Kristi. "
There are many “faces” of influenza-people who need to get vaccinated against influenza, also known as the “flu.” In fact, more than four out of every five people in the United States should be immunized every year. Chances are you, your friends and your relatives should make time to get vaccinated as soon as vaccine is available.
Influenza can cause you to miss work or school and thousands are hospitalized from the disease and its complications every year. Immunization is the best way to help protect against influenza. The American Lung Association wants you to make influenza vaccination a priority for you and your family.
Many people are recommended to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza, including: children 6 months-18 years of age; people 50 years of age and older; pregnant women; people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease or diabetes; and people living in long-term care facilities and nursing homes, among others.
Vaccination also is important for caregivers and anyone else who is in regular contact with people in high-risk groups. Babysitters, day care providers and all health-care professionals can pass on the virus to those close to them, which can make high-risk people seriously ill. Anyone else who wishes to help prevent the virus from spreading should be vaccinated, too. Vaccination usually takes about two weeks to provide full protection.
“Getting vaccinated will help prevent influenza from spreading in your home and infecting those close to you, like co-workers, friends and family,” said Norman Edelman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association. “I urge everyone to consider influenza vaccination as a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.”
To learn more about influenza and annual vaccination for you and your family, visit the Faces of Influenza Web site: www.facesofinfluenza.org.
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Managing COPD Effectively
Posted on Nov 04, 2009
Managing COPD
A recent telephone survey found that patients who have COPD feel more in control when they actively manage their disease. The survey, commissioned by the COPD Foundation and Dey, L.P., asked 400 people living with COPD and 400 people who provide care for someone with COPD about their thoughts on using a nebulizer (a device that turns medications into a fine mist for delivery to the lungs) to treat their COPD and how they best manage the condition.
A recent survey showed that nine out of 10 patients who use nebulizationtherapy report satisfaction with their current treatments. Sixty-five percent of caregivers surveyed were significantly more likely than patients to wish that those they cared for had been placed on nebulization therapy sooner.
“COPD patients and their caregivers can make an incredible difference working together to improve their quality of life by being proactive in the day-to-day management of their health,” said John Walsh, president of the COPD Foundation. “Caregivers are the unsung heroes who help keep patients on track and focus on achieving a better, active lifestyle.”
Key Considerations for Effective Disease Management
November, which is designated as National Family Caregivers Month, provides an opportunity to recognize the significant role that caregivers play in the daily lives of those living with chronic diseases such as COPD. The survey found that 58 percent of caregivers spend at least five hours each week assisting someone with his or her breathing disorder.
The survey also found that most patients and caregivers reported that the benefits of nebulization-mainly the perception of easier and more comfortable breathing-outweigh any challenges or constraints; specifically:
- Eighty percent of patients and caregivers surveyed preferred using a nebulizer over only an inhaler, a device that delivers medication directly to the lungs.
- Sixty-eight percent of patients reported easier breathing as the most positive aspect of nebulization therapy, and 86 percent reported a more comfortable feeling in their chest as a result of their nebulization use.
- Active living is also a factor, with patients noting their daily activity improved since initiating the nebulization therapy.
- Seventy-four percent agree they have been able to be more physically active in their daily lives.
- Twenty-five percent of patients surveyed cited the immobility of the nebulizer as a disadvantage of the therapy.
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COPD Information
Posted on Nov 03, 2009
COPD is a disease that affects millions of people across the world. It actually consists of two separate diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Chronic bronchitis is when the mid-sized airways in your lungs get inflamed and lead to coughing and excessive mucus for three months or more.
Emphysema destroys the alveoli, the small sacs in the lungs that actually transfer oxygen to the blood. Wheezing is commonly associated with emphysema, but there are many other signs and symptoms.
For many people, COPD is caused by long-term tobacco smoking, though genetics and air pollution can also be factors. Symptoms generally include wheezing, slow breathing, pursed-lip breathing, barrel chest, and a rapid breathing rate.
The severity of COPD can range from mild to very severe and is diagnosed by spirometry, a test that measures lung function. COPD is not curable, but it is treatable. Smoking cessation is generally advised and there are medicines that can relax the airways and make breathing easier. COPD does usually get worse with time (though how fast it gets worse varies greatly).
The site does not give complete information about COPD and the information it does contain may not even apply to your case. For complete information about COPD, you should consult a doctor or a health care professional. The information on this site should not substitute the judgment or knowledge of a health care professional.
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COPD Prevalence & Statistics
Posted on Nov 01, 2009
COPD affects an estimated 24 million Americans and is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 100,000 deaths per year. While the disease is often attributed to smoking, that’s not the only cause. Secondhand smoke, occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution and genetic factors can also be behind COPD.
If you or someone close to you lives with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), then you are aware of the daily struggles that may coincide with managing this disease. Patients with COPD report symptoms of breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest that may affect one’s quality of life by limiting physical activity or routine daily tasks.
There is no cure for COPD, but there are several lifestyle changes that patients and caregivers can make to help manage this disease. For example, rehabilitation exercises and quitting smoking may help. Patients should also seek medical treatment and talk with their doctor about the use ofnebulization therapy as a way to manage their COPD successfully with medication.
This year’s World COPD Day will be held November 18 and is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to improve awareness and care of COPD around the world.
For more information about COPD, visit www.copdfoundation.org. Those seeking information about caregiving may want to research the National Family Caregivers Association.
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