Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that causes narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

When the condition occurs it is chronic (long-term) in nature. COPD is an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions which include Emphysema (main symptom is breathlessness), Chronic bronchitis (main symptoms are cough and increased secretions) and Chronic asthma (tightening of airways and secretions).

COPD in Australia COPD is a common lung condition affecting both men and women. Around 1 in 7 Australians aged 40 years and over have some form of COPD, however around half of the people living with COPD symptoms do not know they have the condition.

Causes

There are many causes of COPD, which may include: Smoking (if you currently smoke, have smoked in the past, or are exposed to passive smoking); Environmental factors such as working or living in areas where there is dust, gas, chemical fumes, smoke or air pollution; Genetics as a small number of people have a form of emphysema caused by a protein disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). This is where the body finds it difficult to produce one of the proteins (Alpha-1) which protects the lungs.

Symptoms

COPD is a progressive lung condition with different stages.

The first symptoms of COPD appear slowly and in the early stages you may find there is very little or no impact on your life or independence. You may cough up mucus in the mornings or feel short of breath if you walk quickly or exert yourself. As symptoms of COPD progresses, you may notice that you find it harder to do your normal daily activities such as gardening, hanging out the washing, or carrying groceries without feeling short of breath.

Other symptoms may include: A repetitive cough that doesn’t get better; Increased mucus production; Feeling tired or taking a bit longer to recover from a cold or chest infection.

In severe COPD, you will likely experience symptoms most of the time. You may: Find it hard to walk up stairs or across the room without feeling very short of breath; Feel tired more of the time, despite resting; Cough frequently and cough up a lot more mucus; Get chest infections frequently and take several weeks to recover from them.

Diagnosis

While there is currently no cure for COPD, research shows that early diagnosis, combined with disease management programs at the early stage of the condition, can improve quality of life, slow progression, reduce mortality and keep people out of hospital. Spirometry is the most common breathing test used to confirm a diagnosis of COPD.

Other tests may include: Chest X-ray; CT Chest and Arterial blood gas analysis.

Treatment

Although the damage to your lungs cannot be reversed, early treatment is important to help improve how you feel. Studies have shown that people with chronic lung conditions use 25 – 50% more energy than people with normal lung function. This is mostly due to the changes in your lungs, increased work of breathing and using more energy to fight chest infections or flare-ups, which are more common in people with COPD. By taking the following steps you can improve your overall quality of life, slow the progression of symptoms, and keep your COPD well managed, including reducing the risk of flare-ups.

Not all people with COPD have smoked, however, if you do smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health and lung function. If you continue to smoke, your health and respiratory symptoms will worsen.

(COPD research has shown that regular exercise can help maintain your fitness, improve your wellbeing and reduce symptoms, such as breathlessness)  It’s important to talk with a health professional, such as a physiotherapist, about what type of exercise would suit you.

Look after your wellbeing by enjoying friends, family and hobbies.

This helps to reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.

Support your immune system and reduce the risk of flare-ups by having your vaccinations as recommended by your GP or respiratory specialist.

Coping with a flare up

A COPD flare-up is when your symptoms worsen quickly, usually over a few days. It may be caused by an infection or triggered by air pollutants or irritants.  Flare-ups are more common during the winter months and can make everyday activities difficult.  It is important that you can identify the early signs of a flare-up so you can start treatment as soon as possible. Common symptoms of a flare-up include: Coughing more than usual; Finding it harder to breathe; Changes in sputum (more, or thicker sputum); Being more tired than usual (less active). If you notice symptoms of a flare-up see your doctor as soon as possible. Getting treatment early will reduce the severity of your flare-up and may prevent the need to go to hospital.  Always get medical attention as your flare up may be severe.

Your health care team

As well as your doctor, there are other health professionals who can help you manage your COPD.  A Respiratory Nurse, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Dietician may be part of your healthcare team. You can talk to your healthcare team about changes in your symptoms, or flare-ups; Your medicines, including any side effects; Other conditions you may have and their impact on your health and wellbeing.

Suncoast Therapy Connections can help

Suncoast Therapy Connections can offer individualised Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention to support with independence in every-day activities, setting and achieving goals and to provide strategies to self-manage your COPD and effects on function.

Additional information

For more information about COPD visit the Lung Foundation Australia www.lungfoundation.com.au
This information is intended to provide useful information of a general nature and is not a substitute for medical advice or diagnostics.