What is COPD and How Does it Affect People Living at Home With it?
What are the causes, symptoms and treatments for COPD and how can Homecare support those living at home with it?
Published: 11/04/2024
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD, is a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Most people don't know they have it; the symptoms often get dismissed.
What Are the Symptoms of COPD?
The main symptoms of COPD are:
- Shortness of breath, particularly when you're active
- A persistent chesty cough with phlegm – some people may dismiss this as just a "smoker's cough"
- Frequent chest infections
- Persistent wheezing
Symptoms of Bronchitis can be similar to a cold or flu:
- A cough
- Chest pain when coughing
- Shortness of breath
- A sore throat
- A runny nose
- A high temperature
To be classified as Chronic Bronchitis, you must have had a cough and mucus most days for at least three months a year for two years in a row. Other causes of the symptoms must be ruled out, such as tuberculosis or other lung diseases.
Emphysema develops over time and involves the gradual damage of lung tissue, specifically the destruction of the alveoli (tiny air sacs). Slowly, this damage causes the air sacs to rupture, creating one big air pocket. This reduction in the lung surface area traps air in the damaged tissue and prevents oxygen from moving through the bloodstream. Additionally, this blockage causes the lungs to slowly overfill and makes breathing increasingly more difficult. Signs and symptoms of Emphysema take years to develop, but once they start, they generally include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing with mucus
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
What Causes COPD?
Most experts agree that COPD is is caused by cigarette smoking; air pollution and work environment also play a role. Lungs that are damaged, inflamed and narrowed can cause COPD and in rare cases it can be a genetic problem.
Treatments for COPD
The most common treatment for COPD is to stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke and other lung irritants first and foremost. Taking medicine can help clear mucus, and getting oxygen from portable containers can also help alleviate symptoms.
Though COPD cannot be cured, many treatments are available to help manage symptoms. Treatments include:
- Bronchodilator medication to relax the muscles
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Non-surgical endobronchial valves
- In extreme situations, lung volume reduction surgery or a lung transplant
How Right at Home's Homecare Can Support Someone Living with COPD
COPD changes the way someone lives and is cared for. Spaces take on new meanings because people with COPD often spend more time inside. Homecare for someone with COPD can allow them to stay in the comfort of their home, receiving crucial support and reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Right at Home Solent provides various Homecare services across Southampton, Fareham and surrounding areas. We can help support someone living with COPD with:
- Household tasks
- Personal Care
- Companionship
- Support going out into the community
- Appointments and errands
- Rehabilitation exercises and support
- Respite Care for family
If you would like more information on how Right at Home Solent can support you or your loved, don't hesitate to call us on 01239 233755 or you can request a callback.
