Care at COPD - Helpful tips for those affected and their loved ones

The COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is one of the most common diseases at all. In this chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the airways are permanently constricted and inflamed. Breathing is becoming increasingly difficult for those



affected. In addition there are strong cough with ejection and severe dyspnea. A cure of this disease is not possible. According to the World Health Organization, COPD is believed to be the third most common cause of death by 2020. COPD is therefore becoming a national disease. In Germany alone, it is estimated that up to 5 million people are suffering from chronic pulmonary disease. These are terrifying numbers and they continue to rise. The main cause of COPD is smoking. It is therefore only advisable to stop smoking. As a result, the disease can not be cured, but at least the symptoms can be alleviated significantly. If the illness has already progressed so far that the person concerned can no longer manage his everyday life, he needs help from outside. Proper contact persons in this case are social stations or outpatient care services. In order to be eligible for care, the person concerned must be classified by the nursing care fund into a nursing degree. ➲ Important information Since January 1, 2016, the 2nd Pflegerärärungsgesetz has entered into force. The previously known care stages 1-3 are now replaced by care levels 1-5. In this case, the need for long-term care for the person concerned and their dependents is to be better and more individualized. It is important for the care of COPD patients that the respective nursing service cooperates closely with the patient, the family and the doctor. The aim of the care is that the person concerned can stay as long as possible in his four walls and receive as much help as necessary. Care requirements for COPD patients The nursing requirements are broadly diversified, but there are three main components which are the main focus. This includes: Support for coughing and coughing Support in breathing (breathing exercises), dyspnea and oxygenation Promoting health awareness and self-help

Everyone has had a nasty cold and knows the dilemma with a cough. You cough and cough, and when you're lucky, some secretion dissolves and you feel better. In COPD patients, it is extremely important that cough secretion be coughed. Dry coughing would severely affect the bronchial tubes and promote dyspnoea. There are a few simple tricks to ease the coughing. Hot drinks dissolve the mucus and reduce the coughing sensation. Highly recommended are teas and juices, which contain thyme. Warm inhalations also cause miracles. When enriched with chamomile or essential oils they dissolve the mucus. A doctor may also prescribe medications for inhalation, which open the airways and thus facilitate the coughing. Highly recommended are so-called vibration massages. This type of massage can be performed with the hands, but also with various vibrating objects. During the special massage the mucus dissolves and promotes the cleansing capacity of the bronchi. (»Instructions for manual vibration massage) Another way to ease the coughing of the patient is a special cough technique, as presented at leicht-atmen.de. However, this is often performed together with physiotherapy. ➔ Support for breathing (breathing exercises), breathing and oxygenation Everyone knows the situation when you are swallowed by something. The air stays away and you have the feeling of suffocating. This scenario often occurs in COPD patients. The fear is, of course, always a constant companion. This is why it is so important to help the patient at these moments, to help him, and to provide him with the necessary measures for how to react in a new attack