Today is World COPD Day! In collaboration with Global Initiative Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), health care professionals and COPD patient groups, World COPD Day aims to raise awareness, share knowledge, and discuss ways to reduce the burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) around the world.
What is COPD?
COPD is the term used for a group of lung conditions including:
• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic asthma
It causes the airways in the lungs to narrow, making it difficult to breathe. There is no known cure for COPD, however, with the help of a diagnosis and treatment plan and support from your health care team, COPD can be manageable.
How can I manage COPD?
Some suggestions on how to manage COPD include ensuring you have regular GP appointments to help you manage COPD with:
• A COPD Action Plan - Part of living well is understanding what to do when COPD symptoms get worse. Knowing how to recognise a change in symptoms and having an Action plan in place can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and time spent in the GP office or hospital
• Maintain your vaccinations - Staying healthy and preventing other serious illness can help to slow COPD progressing and prevent the severity of symptoms. It is important to continue to receive regular vaccinations to maintain good health and live well
• Inhaler Use - studies have identified a relationship between poor inhaler use and symptom control in patients with COPD
• Mental Health support - Depression and anxiety are commonly experienced by those with COPD. In addition to mind body techniques and cognitive therapy, pulmonary rehab may also reduce anxiety and depression.
Who should I speak too?
Contact your GP today to discuss your lung health. Our friendly Care Coordination team may be able to help you to manage your COPD. For more information contact us on 4925 2259.