Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is abbreviated as COPD. It is a common disease that can be prevented and treated. Its characteristics are persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, usually associated with airway and/or alveolar abnormalities caused by significant exposure to harmful particles or gases.
1、 Main symptoms: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a slow onset and a long course of illness, and there may be no obvious symptoms in the early stages. The main symptoms include:
1. Chronic cough: obvious coughing in the morning, intermittent coughing or sputum discharge at night.
2. Phlegm: generally white sticky sputum or serous foam sputum, occasionally with bloodshot, and more sputum in the morning.
3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing: It occurs during early intense activity and gradually worsens, causing shortness of breath even during daily activities and rest, which is a hallmark symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
4. wheezing and chest tightness: may occur in some critically ill patients or during acute exacerbations.
5. Other: Late stage patients may experience weight loss, decreased appetite, etc.
2、 The hazards of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD patients have a long and prolonged course of illness, which can cause progressive decline in lung function, seriously affecting their labor and quality of life, and causing a huge social and economic burden.
3、 Health education for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Providing health education for COPD patients and improving their compliance with medical treatment can delay the decline of lung function and improve their quality of life.
1. Lifestyle change: Quitting smoking is the most important measure to prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Provide explanations, maps, and assistance to smokers to quit smoking. Alternative strategies can be attempted, such as chewing gum or consuming other nutritious foods. It is also possible to gradually quit smoking by reducing the frequency and amount of smoking through distracting behaviors such as watching TV, playing chess, etc. Avoid inhaling colds, dust, and irritating gases. Pay attention to keeping warm and improve unhealthy habits. For patients with chronic bronchitis, it is recommended to monitor lung function for early detection and treatment.
2. Disease knowledge guidance: Guide patients and their families to understand disease-related knowledge and master the methods of respiratory function exercise: pursed lip breathing: patients close their mouths and inhale through the nose, then slowly exhale through pursed lips (blowing a whistle) while contracting the abdomen. The ratio of inhalation to exhalation time is 1:2 or 1:3. Try to inhale deeply and exhale slowly, 7-8 times per minute, 10-20 minutes each time, twice a day. The degree of lip retraction and exhalation flow rate: It is advisable to tilt the candle flame at a height of 15-20 centimeters from the lips and at a high level with the lips along with the airflow without extinguishing it. Abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing: Patients can adopt a supine, upright, or semi recumbent position, with both hands placed on the anterior chest and upper abdomen respectively. When inhaling slowly through the nose, the abdomen relaxes, protrudes, and the hands feel the abdomen lift upwards. When breathing, exhale through the mouth, contract the abdominal muscles, lift the diaphragm, push the lung gas out, and feel the abdomen descend with your hands. Exercise 3-4 times a day, repeating 8-10 times each time.
3. Dietary guidance: High calorie, high protein, high vitamin, light, and easily digestible diet. For example: lean meat, tofu, eggs, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits, etc. Eat small and frequent meals, avoid greasy, spicy, and easily gas producing foods (such as soda, beer, beans, potatoes, etc.), and avoid foods that can cause constipation (fried, dried fruits, etc.).
4. Physical exercise: Choose a fresh and quiet environment for walking, jogging, qigong, gymnastics, tai chi and other physical exercises. When the condition is severe, move around the bed. It is advisable to exercise without feeling tired. Avoid outdoor activities in extremely cold weather. Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity indoors. Pay attention to keeping warm in winter and avoid inhaling cold air directly.
5. Home oxygen therapy: Persisting in long-term home oxygen therapy can improve quality of life and labor ability, and prolong life. Nasal cannula oxygen inhalation 1-2 liters/minute, with a daily duration of more than 15 hours. Make the blood oxygen saturation reach over 90%. Pay attention to the safety of using oxygen therapy equipment. Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited in the surrounding area to prevent oxygen combustion and explosion. Oxygen therapy devices are regularly cleaned, disinfected, and replaced. Ensure that the oxygen tube is unobstructed to ensure the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. The effective indicators of oxygen therapy include reduced difficulty breathing, decreased respiratory rate, reduced cyanosis, decreased heart rate, and increased activity tolerance in patients.
6. Stable period medication guidance: Bronchodilators, expectorants, glucocorticoids, etc. should be used reasonably according to medical advice, avoiding abuse. Especially for long-term inhaled bronchodilators and glucocorticoids, medication compliance should be improved. Long term adherence may cause hoarseness, discomfort in the throat, and oral candidiasis in some patients. After inhaling the medication, rinse the throat with water in a timely manner, and do not reduce or stop the dosage arbitrarily. If coughing, expectoration, difficulty breathing worsen, and fever occurs, timely medical attention should be sought.
7. Psychological guidance: Guide patients to adapt to chronic diseases and treat them with a positive attitude, distract attention, reduce loneliness, and alleviate anxiety and tension. Cultivate interest in life, listen to music, cultivate flowers and plants, etc.
8. Prognosis: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that requires the cooperation of the entire family. Both family members and patients should actively treat it, build confidence, prepare for long-term coexistence, actively prevent and treat it, and delay the condition.
Through effective health education, patients can better manage their own illnesses, reduce the frequency of acute attacks, delay the progression of the disease, improve their quality of life, and extend their lifespan.