COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Bathing and Showering with COPD
Sit on a chair or a stool while washing, shaving, or applying makeup. (It may help to support your elbows on the sink or table).
Organize frequently-used equipment such as towels and shaving kits in accessible areas in the bathroom.
Eliminate getting right into a tub or standing in the shower by using a bath stool and a hand shower.
If you are unable to manage washing your hair in a shower, tub or at a sink, ask for help.
Ensure safety with grab bars or rails that attach to the walls or bathtub. Non-skid mats also improve safety.
Increase independence by using a long-handled bath brush and towel sling to wash your back and feet.
Minimize shortness of breath by wearing a terry-cloth bathrobe or wrapping up in a large towel to dry off.
Avoid using spray deodorants and aerosol shaving creams, which may irritate your lungs.
Control your breathing when showering or bathing. Keep the water temperature warm (not hot) to minimize shortness of breath.
Canadian Lung Association
This a review for many of us, but might be helpful for people new to their breathing situation.
Maybe some of us have advice you could share with others that might be helpful too.
Thanks so much,
Love Holly
Sit on a chair or a stool while washing, shaving, or applying makeup. (It may help to support your elbows on the sink or table).
Organize frequently-used equipment such as towels and shaving kits in accessible areas in the bathroom.
Eliminate getting right into a tub or standing in the shower by using a bath stool and a hand shower.
If you are unable to manage washing your hair in a shower, tub or at a sink, ask for help.
Ensure safety with grab bars or rails that attach to the walls or bathtub. Non-skid mats also improve safety.
Increase independence by using a long-handled bath brush and towel sling to wash your back and feet.
Minimize shortness of breath by wearing a terry-cloth bathrobe or wrapping up in a large towel to dry off.
Avoid using spray deodorants and aerosol shaving creams, which may irritate your lungs.
Control your breathing when showering or bathing. Keep the water temperature warm (not hot) to minimize shortness of breath.
Canadian Lung Association
This a review for many of us, but might be helpful for people new to their breathing situation.
Maybe some of us have advice you could share with others that might be helpful too.
Thanks so much,
Love Holly
I was remembering this morning when I was first diagnosed and someone told me to use a terry bath robe after showering, it was such a huge dea to me!
That bathrobe made a very big difference in my ability to dry off and not be as breathless when I was done:)
All those little tips add up and make a difference, so I hope someone new to COPD will read this post and maybe have an easier time of it.
Love,
Holly
I have both a tub and shower stall and can no longer feel safe stepping into a tub.
I use the shower head in place so that I can just stand under it and I don't have to raise my arm with the hand shower.
I always use a ventilation fan so as not to accumulate steam in the shower.
Everything I need to shower is kept right in the stall where is is easily accessible.
I usually stand but have a shower stool for difficult times.
My dressing room is just outside of the bathroom and has a bench that I can sit and do most of the dressing.
I use hair conditioner when shaving my legs and it also acts as a softner for the dry skin. It also doesn't cause dryness if you don't get it all off. Just like on your scalp when we leave some conditioner in. Guys, I am not sure but could you shave in the shower and use conditioner instead of shaving cream?
Always step out on a mat to prevent slipping on a wet floor.
For people having difficulty bending down the shower foot scrub is useful.
Amazon have a few different ones. Here is a couple to view:
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Feet-Built-Pumice-Stone/dp/B004H2P8QI/ref=pd_cp_e_3
http://www.amazon.com/Avivo-24B-Shower-Sandal-Footscrubber/dp/B0015GQ8JK/ref=pd_cp_e_2
Could be a problem if you are ticklish :D