What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease that causes airflow blockage in the lungs and makes normal breathing difficult. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are among the most common contributors to COPD. People with COPD are at a higher risk of developing other serious conditions like heart disease and lung cancer. COPD is an incurable disease, but with early diagnosis and intervention, people with COPD can improve their quality of life and breathe better
Causes of COPD
COPD is the sixth leading cause of death In the United States, and tobacco smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Other contributing factors include exposure to air pollutants like chemical fumes or dust at home or at work, secondhand smoke, respiratory infections, asthma, being at least forty years old, and genetics.
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Chronic cough, either dry or producing a lot of mucus
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty taking deep breaths
- Tightness in the chest
COPD Management Program at Amberwell Atchison
The COPD Management Program at Amberwell Atchison offers individualized evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and education for patients at all stages of COPD. Amberwell Primary Care nurses offer COPD education through one-on-one visits by referral from your primary care provider.
Through this program, you will:
- Complete testing to confirm your COPD diagnosis
- Recognize worsening of symptoms and develop a plan of action with a COPD nurse
- Learn to use inhalers and special breathing techniques
- Receive encouragement and support to quit smoking
- Learn self-management skills in sessions with a nurse
- Engage in everyday activities with less shortness of breath
- Gain knowledge of COPD and learn how to recognize symptoms and avoid triggers
- Receive guidance about medications—how often to take them and how much
Welcome. If you’ve been told you have COPD, some of the following things may be true.
- This may have come as a surprise to you.
- You may have suspected it, but tried not to think about it.
- Your doctor may have given you information and encouragement that COPD is treatable and can be managed effectively.
- You might not have been given any information, medication, or assurance.
- You may have been prescribed inhalers with no instruction on how to use them.
No matter what circumstances surrounded you being told you have COPD, you most likely felt overwhelmed, scared, confused, or lost. Be assured, all these feelings and more are very common in people with a new diagnosis of COPD. If you’re a family member and/or caregiver of a person with COPD, you too may be faced with challenges for yourself. You are likely to have a lot of questions about what you can expect now and in the future. The COPD Foundation can help. Here you’ll find information and education about COPD and how to live your life to the fullest extent possible. Moreover, you will find respect, compassion, and emotional support to empower you to take control of your breathing – and your life!
Visit the COPD Foundation website to Learn More
A big concern for people with COPD is getting sick with a COPD flare-up and being admitted to the hospital.
It is possible to prevent some COPD flare-ups, or to at least catch them early so they don’t become serious. Doing this will help you avoid the need for a hospital stay.
By registering on the COPD Foundation website you will have access to a variety of free resources. You can download our free Educational Materials, access our online community COPD360social and receive the COPD Foundation monthly e-newsletter.
