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...
For COPD: Get Thee to Pulmonary Rehab
Johns Hopkins Health Alert:
People with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, exhaustion, wheezing, and coughing, all of which can eventually make it difficult to perform even the simplest daily activities. Dressing, washing, light housework, and even eating can become extremely taxing for those who struggle to breathe.
To deal with the many challenges of COPD, all patients are urged to participate in pulmonary rehabilitation -- a comprehensive preventive health-care program that provides assistance in coping with the physical and emotional aspects of the disease.
What To Expect. Pulmonary rehab programs take place on an outpatient basis at special clinics located in hospitals. Clinics are staffed with a variety of specialists: a pulmonologist (a doctor specializing in respiratory problems), respiratory therapists, dietitians, nurse educators, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists -- the pulmonary rehab team. Services include:
Exercise training for COPD. At first, you'll likely be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike with the goal of reaching 60% of your maximum exercise capacity. This can be very taxing, particularly if you've been sedentary prior to entering rehabilitation.
Resistance exercises, using free weights or weight machines, also are part of each exercise session. Supplemental oxygen is frequently used during exercise to improve your exercise capacity. Exercise intensity is increased throughout the program.
Assistance with smoking cessation for COPD. Quitting smoking is a must. In fact, smoking is so detrimental that many rehab programs will not admit patients who have not already quit. If you haven't quit, counseling and nicotine replacement therapy are available.
Breathing exercises for COPD. A respiratory therapist will coach you on techniques to make breathing easier, including pursed-lip breathing; diaphragmatic breathing; and forward-bending posture breathing.
Nutritional advice for COPD. A registered dietitian will provide a highly individualized eating plan to help build strength while keeping you at a healthy weight.
Psychological counseling for COPD. People with COPD may stop participating in activities with friends and family, which can lead to isolation and depression. And fear of experiencing a COPD flare-up can also cause crippling anxiety and panic attacks that can exacerbate COPD symptoms. All patients therefore meet regularly with a licensed therapist or psychologist to learn techniques to manage anxiety and depression.
Help with medication for COPD. People with COPD usually take bronchodilators -- medications that make it easier to breathe by relaxing the bronchial muscles -- and frequently use supplemental oxygen. Patients receive detailed instructions on how to use inhalers and oxygen equipment correctly.
For More Information
American Lung Association
(800) LUNG-USA (586-4872)
www.lungusa.org
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
(312) 321-5146
www.aacvpr.org
Johns Hopkins Health Alert:
People with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, exhaustion, wheezing, and coughing, all of which can eventually make it difficult to perform even the simplest daily activities. Dressing, washing, light housework, and even eating can become extremely taxing for those who struggle to breathe.
To deal with the many challenges of COPD, all patients are urged to participate in pulmonary rehabilitation -- a comprehensive preventive health-care program that provides assistance in coping with the physical and emotional aspects of the disease.
What To Expect. Pulmonary rehab programs take place on an outpatient basis at special clinics located in hospitals. Clinics are staffed with a variety of specialists: a pulmonologist (a doctor specializing in respiratory problems), respiratory therapists, dietitians, nurse educators, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists -- the pulmonary rehab team. Services include:
Exercise training for COPD. At first, you'll likely be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike with the goal of reaching 60% of your maximum exercise capacity. This can be very taxing, particularly if you've been sedentary prior to entering rehabilitation.
Resistance exercises, using free weights or weight machines, also are part of each exercise session. Supplemental oxygen is frequently used during exercise to improve your exercise capacity. Exercise intensity is increased throughout the program.
Assistance with smoking cessation for COPD. Quitting smoking is a must. In fact, smoking is so detrimental that many rehab programs will not admit patients who have not already quit. If you haven't quit, counseling and nicotine replacement therapy are available.
Breathing exercises for COPD. A respiratory therapist will coach you on techniques to make breathing easier, including pursed-lip breathing; diaphragmatic breathing; and forward-bending posture breathing.
Nutritional advice for COPD. A registered dietitian will provide a highly individualized eating plan to help build strength while keeping you at a healthy weight.
Psychological counseling for COPD. People with COPD may stop participating in activities with friends and family, which can lead to isolation and depression. And fear of experiencing a COPD flare-up can also cause crippling anxiety and panic attacks that can exacerbate COPD symptoms. All patients therefore meet regularly with a licensed therapist or psychologist to learn techniques to manage anxiety and depression.
Help with medication for COPD. People with COPD usually take bronchodilators -- medications that make it easier to breathe by relaxing the bronchial muscles -- and frequently use supplemental oxygen. Patients receive detailed instructions on how to use inhalers and oxygen equipment correctly.
For More Information
American Lung Association
(800) LUNG-USA (586-4872)
www.lungusa.org
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
(312) 321-5146
www.aacvpr.org
I keep hoping this will change and so I keep working on trying to get medical clearance to go.
It sounds awesome and those who have gone were happy with the results.
I'm calling them back tomorrow and getting back on the wagon. I've got a total of 16 visits per calendar year, and since I'm on Medicare the doctor waved all my copays but one a month, for $30. The only condition is that I don't disclose the agreement to other patrons or doctors.
I wish there were more rehabs in the US, you'd think in this country you could find one close to any main cities. This makes me very sad that others have such difficulty finding it.