Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the abbreviation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In clinical practice, patients may exhibit progressively worsening respiratory distress, mostly as a result of emphysema or chronic bronchitis. If chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not properly controlled, patients may also develop diseases such as pulmonary heart disease and respiratory failure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is usually an irreversible disease that requires a longer period of home care. Therefore, only when the patient's family members master the methods of home care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can the disease be effectively controlled, the progression of the disease be delayed, and the number of hospitalizations due to worsening conditions be reduced. The airway becomes narrower, and the elastic contraction force of the alveoli decreases, resulting in respiratory obstruction.
1、 Clinical manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
When patients develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, they may experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and poor breathing during high-intensity work or vigorous activities in the early stages. Subsequently, the condition will gradually worsen, leading to shortness of breath even during daily activities and rest. Patients may also experience strong coughing, and may also have expectoration during coughing. Sometimes, due to rapid breathing, the coughing and expectoration may worsen. The hallmark symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
As the patient's condition worsens in the later stages, they often experience drowsiness, headaches, and even problems with their consciousness.
2、 Home care tips for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(1) Avoid smoke and dust
Smoking is a very dangerous factor for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because it can aggravate the irritation of the tracheal lining and induce bronchitis. Therefore, patients must quit smoking to avoid worsening the condition and effectively prevent the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is one of the most effective measures to slow down lung function damage. If other family members have a smoking habit, they should try to avoid smoking in the patient's living environment, reduce the probability of the patient inhaling smoke, and prevent second-hand smoke from stimulating the patient's trachea and inducing other diseases. Reduce the inhalation of harmful gases or dust, poorly ventilated cooking or fuel fumes, and minimize various types of dust in the living environment. It is necessary to regularly ventilate the home through air circulation.
（2） Reasonable exercise, correct sputum discharge
Patients should arrange work and life reasonably, exercise moderately, exert subjective initiative, develop personalized exercise plans, conduct abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing or pursed lip breathing training, as well as exercise such as walking, jogging, chest expansion and downward bending. When patients suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the respiratory tract produces a large amount of secretions called sputum, which contains certain bacteria and harmful substances. Therefore, patients must master the correct way of expectoration, because if sputum cannot be eliminated in time, it will block the respiratory tract and cause breathing difficulties. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly expectorate phlegm for the patient. The patient can engage in respiratory function exercises, such as taking deep and slow breaths in advance, then inhaling deeply until the diaphragm is completely lowered. Hold your breath for three to five seconds, then slowly exhale the gas in the lungs through pursed lips, take a deep breath, and hold your breath for three to five seconds. After that, lean forward and start coughing vigorously. Family members can also assist in expectoration by pulling out all five fingers and cupping their palms. They can tap the patient's back from outside to inside and from bottom to top to stimulate the respiratory tract and help with expectoration.
（3） Reasonable diet
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease must have a reasonable diet, balanced nutrition, and scientific dietary patterns to supplement various nutrients in the patient's body, which is more conducive to the patient's prognosis. Therefore, patients must ensure sufficient intake of protein and vitamins during the dietary process, such as lean meat, fish, eggs, fresh fruits, vegetables, etc. Patients should eat more easily absorbable foods. If patients do not have special allergies, they should not blindly avoid eating. And patients should adhere to the principle of small and multiple meals during the eating process, avoid drinking too much water before and after meals, avoid consuming gas producing foods such as soda and beans, and chew slowly during meals to prevent inhaling a large amount of air with meals. Patients can also gradually improve their physical fitness by combining some traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapy methods in their daily lives.
（4） Pay attention to keeping warm and preventing colds
Patients must take good physical protection during their illness, especially in cold seasons or seasons with large temperature differences between morning and evening. It is necessary to do a good job of keeping warm and preventing cold air from stimulating the patient's body. Try to avoid crowded public places during the outbreak of respiratory infectious diseases; Avoid outdoor activities in humid, windy, and extremely cold climates, adjust clothing in a timely manner according to climate changes, and avoid catching a cold. Once a cold occurs, timely treatment is necessary to prevent respiratory tract infection, which can effectively prevent chronic bronchitis.
（5） Emotion regulation
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term and long-term treatment disease, as patients may experience psychological depression, anxiety, and irritability due to prolonged illness. At this time, family members should pay extra attention to the patient's psychological condition, provide appropriate psychological counseling, and comfort the patient's psychological anxiety. It can cultivate interests in life, such as listening to music, gardening, and other hobbies, to distract attention, reduce loneliness, and alleviate anxiety and tension. At the same time, it is important to maintain long-term contact with medical staff and regularly consult about one's condition through phone calls. Professional explanations from medical staff can provide patients with greater encouragement.
（6） Home oxygen therapy
Patients usually use nasal cannula for continuous low flow, low concentration oxygen therapy, with oxygen flow rate usually 1-2L/min and oxygen concentration often ranging from 25% to 29%. At least 15 hours of oxygen inhalation are required daily, with 18 hours being the optimal time.
（7） Take medication on time
Patients must not randomly take antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. They must strictly follow the doctor's advice and take the appropriate medication according to their actual situation.
3、 In summary, for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), scientifically and reasonably carrying out home care work in daily life can effectively delay the worsening of the condition and avoid repeated hospitalization.