K.N.O.W. Home Health - CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY (COPD)

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. People with COPD have damage in their lungs, which causes air to get trapped, making it harder to get fresh air in and out.

What Causes COPD?

Smoking is the number one cause.
Breathing in dust, chemicals, or air pollution over time.
Some people are born with a rare condition that can lead to COPD.

What Are the Symptoms?

Shortness of breath
Coughing a lot, often with mucus
Feeling tired
Chest tightness
Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)

How to Relieve Symptoms

Take your medicine every day as prescribed.
Use inhalers or nebulizers to open up the airways.
Avoid smoke, dust, or strong smells.
Use oxygen if your doctor prescribed it.
Sit upright and breathe slowly during shortness of breath.
Pulmonary rehab (special exercises to help you breathe better)

Special Diet Tips

Eat small meals more often so breathing is easier.
Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Limit salt – too much salt can cause swelling and make breathing harder.
Drink plenty of water unless your doctor says not to.
If you lose weight or get tired while eating, ask your nurse or doctor for help.

Special Precautions or Considerations

Avoid sick people – a cold or flu can make COPD worse.
Get your flu shot and COVID shot every year.
Don’t run out of your inhalers or oxygen.
Don’t smoke, and stay away from smoke.
Keep your home clean and free from dust or strong smells.

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

You are more tired than usual.
You cough up more mucus or it changes color.
You feel short of breath more often.
Your inhalers don’t seem to be working as well.
You have a fever or signs of an infection.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the ER right away if:

You can’t catch your breath, even at rest.
Your lips or fingers turn blue or gray.
You feel confused, dizzy, or faint.
Your oxygen levels are low (below what your doctor told you).
You have chest pain or feel like you can’t breathe at all.

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT. PLEASE CORRECT ALL FALSE STATEMENTS.

True or False: COPD makes it harder to breathe because the lungs are damaged.
True or False: The main cause of COPD is eating too much sugar.
True or False: Smoking is the number one cause of COPD.
True or False: Wheezing and coughing up mucus are signs of COPD.
True or False: You should stop using inhalers if you feel better.
True or False: Breathing in dust and pollution can cause or worsen COPD.
True or False: Sitting upright can help when you feel short of breath.
True or False: You should eat big meals to get stronger with COPD.
True or False: Drinking water can help keep mucus thin and easier to cough up.
True or False: If you feel more tired or have more mucus, you should call your nurse or doctor.
True or False: Getting your flu shot helps protect you from problems with COPD.
True or False: It’s okay to skip medicine sometimes if you're feeling okay.
True or False: Keeping your house clean can help you breathe better with COPD.
True or False: If your lips turn blue, you should go to the emergency room.
True or False: COPD is a lung disease that goes away after a few weeks.
True or False: Strong smells like perfume can make COPD worse.
True or False: It’s safe to be around people who are sick with colds.
True or False: Pulmonary rehab can help improve breathing.
True or False: You should tell your nurse or doctor if your inhaler doesn’t seem to be helping.
True or False: COPD only affects older people.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification: Have you noticed increased shortness of breath, coughing, or sputum production, and how often do these symptoms occur?

Activity Impact / Safety: How do your breathing symptoms affect your ability to do daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or performing household tasks, and do you experience any safety concerns like dizziness or falls?

Treatment Adherence: Are you using your prescribed inhalers, medications, or oxygen therapy as directed, and do you feel they are helping control your symptoms?

Preventive Measures: What steps are you taking to prevent flare-ups, such as avoiding smoke, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, or doing breathing exercises at home?