Page 31 - Scene Magazine 42-09 September 2017

For Your Health
Living with COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
BY KELI BANFIELD, Director of Marketing
COPD is a chronic condition that currently af- fects as many as 16 million Americans. With COPD the lungs are affected and inflammation
can cause obstructed airflow. With ob- structed airflow a person may expe- rience shortness of breath, especially with physical activity. Wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and mucous pro- duction are other symptoms commonly associated with COPD. To fully under- stand COPD one must understand how the lungs work. Within each person’s lungs they have bronchial tubes and these branch into many smaller tubes called bronchioles. These bronchioles end in tiny round air sacs called alveoli. These air sacs (alveoli) are elastic and stretchy. Each time a person breathes in these air sacs fill up with air, like a small balloon. Each time the person breathes out these air sacs deflate and the air goes out. When a person is liv- ing with COPD their lungs have likely lost their elastic quality or the airways may have become swollen; therefore, it makes it more difficult to breathe.
The number one risk factor for de- veloping COPD is smoking cigarettes. Other irritants such as air pollution, chemical fumes, second-hand smoke and even dust can contribute as a risk factor. Although there is no cure for COPD there are steps you can take to manage symptoms or slow the pro- gression of this chronic disease. It is important to make lifestyle changes and set healthy, realistic goals to help manage this disease. The most import- ant and most difficult goal would be to stop smoking. Although this is very dif- ficult for many people it is a crucial step in managing COPD symptoms. Staying active can also be beneficial and help strengthen your respiratory muscles. Talk to your doctor about what activi- ties you can safely participate in.
Another important thing to consider is our changing temperatures. Unfortu- nately, our beautiful Michigan summer
is coming to an end and the upcoming change in temperature can trigger prob- lems for anybody living with COPD. People with COPD are more likely to catch colds, the flu or pneumonia. Talk to your doctor about taking ex- tra precautions such as an annual flu vaccination and being up to date with a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccina- tion. By taking these simple steps you can reduce future infections. As you
prepare for the colder months ahead keep in mind a few tips.
• Wash your hands often to avoid
spreading germs.
• Use a scarf to cover your mouth as
you go out into the cold air.
• Avoid burning wood or fireplaces.
• If you use oxygen keep your hose
under your coat to keep the air warm.
In order to successfully manage your COPD symptoms make sure you keep all your scheduled doctor appointments and take all your prescribed medication. Communication with your doctor is very important so never hesitate to ask questions.
If you or a loved one ever find yourself in need of a skilled nursing facility or COPD treatment, The Laurels of Bedford is here to get you home “Sooner, Safer and Stronger.”
A MEDICARE RATED FIVE STAR FACILITY!
★★★★★
FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR VIST www.laurelsobedford.com
We Provide Top Quality Nursing Care & Therapy!
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
• Skilled Nursing Care • Respite Care
• Palliative Care
• Wound Care
• Short-Term Rehab
• Outpatient Rehab
• Stroke Rehab
• Joint Replacement Rehab
(269) 968-2296 • www.laurelsofbedford.com
270 NORTH BEDFORD ROAD • BATTLE CREEK, MI 49037
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