Suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Leena

Hello, recently my neighbor has been contracted with COPD. She is quite old and living alone. She is also a chain smoker. So, I want to help her in this condition. Please help me with the inputs on COPD treatment.

Sneha

@leena
There’s no cure, so the goal of treatment is to ease your symptoms and slow the disease.
One of the best things you can do to stop her COPD from getting worse is to make her stop smoking. Talk to doctor about different things which you can try.

Vatan

@Sneha
Is COPD same as emphysema?

Sneha

@vatan
COPD, is a term used for a group of lung conditions that affect your breathing. Emphysema is a type of COPD that causes damage to the air sacs in your lungs. Emphysema is caused by exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution or chemical fumes.

Neha Gupta

@Sneha
Can I get some ideas on breathing exercise for treating COPD?

Sneha

@neha-gupta
Breathing exercises can help strengthen your diaphragm, allowing you to breathe easier. Try these breathing exercises at home:
PURSED LIP BREATHING

First, breathe in through your nose for a count of 4 breaths. Then exhale through your mouth for a count of 8 breaths with pursed lips, taking twice as long as you did to breathe in. Do this 3 to 5 times.
BELLY BREATHING
Lie down on your back in a comfortable position. Place one hand gently on your stomach. Breathe in slowly through your nose into your belly, counting to 4. Notice your hand rising as your belly fills with air. Breathe out through your mouth to a count of 8.
You may work with a respiratory therapist to learn other breathing techniques. Respiratory therapists are certified medical professionals who specialize in helping people with breathing problems.