Brought to you by Home Health Care Experts in Enfield
If a senior in your life has been overwhelmed with chronic coughing, wheezing, and fatigue, being diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) just might be the first step to improving her quality of life.
Sometimes hearing a diagnosis can be a relief for those who unknowingly struggle with COPD. Finally there’s a name for the condition and a definite plan to treat it!
Here’s what the doctor will do to diagnose COPD:
- Assess the senior’s health and environment, including smoking history, exposure to pollutants, symptoms, and family health history
- Order spirometry tests (breathing into a machine to check lung functioning), x-rays, and blood work
- Create a treatment plan
Since different people may experience symptoms in different ways, treatment plans can vary widely as well. Here are some ways your senior loved one’s doctor may help her manage the disease:
- Medications
– Bronchodilators, taken through an inhaler to help open airways, are available in both short-term and long-term formulas, to work immediately and taken as needed, or to be taken continually for maintenance.
– Steroids and corticosteroids work to reduce inflammation, swelling and mucous production.
– Antibiotics fight any bacterial infections in the lungs.
– Immunizations protect against flu and pneumonia, as those with COPD are at a greater risk for complications from these illnesses.
- Pulmonary therapy strengthens the lungs through guided exercise and nutrition.
- Oxygen therapy is available through liquid or gas oxygen tanks or oxygen concentrators that utilize the oxygen already in the environment.
- Lung surgery may be an option if symptoms are extremely severe.
- Palliative care, designed to improve the quality of life, is available to anyone diagnosed with COPD, regardless of the prognosis or stage of the disease.
- Clinical trials help researchers determine the success of new, experimental treatments, and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Talk with your senior loved one’s physician to see if clinical trials are an option, and check the American Lung Association’s clinical trial search page for opportunities near you.
Whatever the doctor’s recommended plan of action, Caring Solutions’ Enfield home health care professionals are here to help. We’ll assist with personal care, such as bathing and dressing, cleaning up around the house, preparing meals, transportation and running errands, or simply be a caring person to talk with and enjoy activities together. Contact us at 877-369-5602 to learn more.