DEFINITION

C.O.P.D stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This is a group of conditions that produce difficulty with expiration (the out breath). It includes many conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive airways disease, chronic airflow obstruction and some cases of chronic asthma.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

There may be an inherited tendency to this disease; exposure to chemical fumes or nonhazardous dust in the workplace; smoking (about 10-15% of smokers develop C.O.P.D).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

- Cough.
- Coughing up of mucus (especially first thing in the morning).
- Chest colds, with yellow or green sputum.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath which gradually becomes worse.
- Severe weight loss.
- Swelling of the legs.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way is this information intended to replace the advice of a registered medical practitioner. Treatment for C.O.P.D involves:
- Stopping smoking (this will slow the development of shortness of breath in people with mild to moderate C.O.P.D) and avoiding other airborne irritants.
- Exercise is an important factor in rehabilitation programmes for people with C.O.P.D. Your Doctor will refer you to a Physiotherapist who will design a programme specifically for you. This may include a mixture of upper and lower limb exercises and stretches to improve fitness and flexibility.
- Vaccinations are often recommended to help prevent influenza or pneumonia. These infections can worsen the existing C.O.P.D markedly.
- Medication may be used to reduce muscle spasm and inflammation associated with the disease or to treat bacterial infections that can lead to a flare-up of C.O.P.D.
- Physiotherapy sessions provide education about exercise, breathing techniques, improving respiratory muscle function and relaxation
- Adequate fluid intake is important so that secretions do not become thick and hard to cough up.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Ask your Pharmacist for suggestions, products and medications designed to make giving up smoking easier. See the Anti-Smoking Products topic on the Healthpoint.
2) Your Pharmacist can advise you on how to use your medication correctly. Incorrect usage or difficulty in using inhaled medication may result in medication being less effective than desired. Talk with your Pharmacist if you are having difficulties using your inhaler.
3) In conjunction with your Doctor, your Pharmacist can assist in advising on symptom relief for this condition. Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

DIET HINTS

See the Healthy Eating Diet on the Healthpoint. Becoming malnourished can increase the risk of lung infections. Your Doctor can refer you to a Dietitian who will design a diet specifically for you.
- Breathlessness can make eating difficult. Foods that require a lot of chewing can interfere with breathing so it is important to choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow.
- Prescribed medication and increased mucus production may decrease your appetite. Breathlessness may cause you to swallow large amounts of air that can also decrease your appetite. Although your appetite may be decreased, the difficulty in breathing can increase your energy requirements. An easy-to-drink dietary supplement may be the best option.
- Drink plenty of fluids. It is very important to avoid dehydration as this can increase the thickness of mucus which then becomes difficult to cough-up.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

- Vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A and echinacea may be useful for the immune system.
- Antioxidants such as vitamin E, grape seed extract and selenium may help with inflammation.
- Liquorice herb may help relieve cough.
- Garlic may help fight bacterial infection. Garlic and horseradish have been used to help resolve mucus.
- Omega-3 fatty acids may be of benefit.

ORGANISATIONS and SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Australian Cancer Society topic on the Healthpoint for information about the Quit Programme.

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