What to Do When Diagnosed with COPD

November is COPD Awareness Month, and in honor of this observance, we’re here to provide you with information and helpful resources so you can educate yourself and those around you about this importance condition. Being diagnosed with a disease like COPD can be scary and overwhelming, but you’re not alone! There are ways to manage your COPD and continue to enhance your quality of life. Below, we’ll discuss the basics of COPD, diagnosis and treatment options, lifestyle changes and more.

COPD Basics

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a long-term lung disease that affects millions of Americans. This disease makes it difficult to breathe since your airways are being blocked. The good news is that COPD is preventable and treatable in most cases!

1.     The Diagnosis

Unfortunately, COPD is often undiagnosed until it’s advanced. There are various forms of testing you may undergo to get your diagnosis, including:

  • Chest X-Rays

  • Pulmonary Function Tests

  • CT Scans

  • Lab Tests

  • Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

The results of just one test usually don’t provide sufficient information to conclude that an individual has COPD, so your doctor may order a few of these prior to diagnosis.

2.     Your Treatment Process

Now that you’ve been diagnosed with COPD, it’s time to discuss what your treatment options are. Some of the options include:

  • Oxygen therapy: One common way to provide your blood with more oxygen is to use oxygen therapy. Advancements in technology have made oxygen therapy completely portable for on-the-go lifestyles.

  • Pulmonary Rehab: Programs are available to help educate and train you about your condition. Your pulmonary rehabilitation is constantly being tailored to fit your needs.

  • Inhalers: The medication that comes in your inhaler can vary depending on the person and the state of their condition. One common type of medication that is delivered through an inhaler is called bronchodilators.

  • Antibiotics: Doctors will sometimes prescribe antibiotics to prevent respiratory infections like pneumonia and influenza, which can aggravate COPD symptoms.

  • Your healthcare provider will prescribe the proper form of treatment based on your individual needs and the advancement of your COPD.

3.     Making Lifestyle Changes

While living with COPD, many individuals are still able to maintain a good quality of life by making positive lifestyle changes. Don’t let it take over your life – with some self-discipline and habit-forming, you can successfully manage your COPD.

  • Clean up your nutrition: Believe it or not, the food you eat can have a significant impact on your breathing. Make sure you’re eating balanced meals and get the right mix of nutrients into your diet.

  • Reduce lung exposure: Individuals with COPD have weakened lungs, making it important to watch out for things that could cause flare-ups. For example, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, pollution, dust, fumes and other dangerous exposures.

  • Work out: Not only does exercising help strengthen your lungs, but it also has a positive impact on your entire body, including your brain.

  • Get emotional support: Being diagnosed with any disease can be scary and cause fear. Remember that’s totally normal and you aren’t alone! Get emotional support when you experience stress or anxiety, whether that’s through a COPD support group, caregiver, counselor, family member or friend.

There’s no question that life changes after being diagnosed with COPD. It’s not always an easy transition, but there are tools and support readily available to help you through the journey. Take control of your COPD by making lifestyle changes and reaching out for additional help. We’re a resource for you! Contact us for support – you don’t have to battle COPD alone.

VGM Forbin