A Guide to COPD

Definition

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. The main symptom of COPD is an inability to breathe in and out properly. This is also referred to as airflow obstruction and can cause coughing and fatigue.

Information last updated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2016 says an estimated 3 million people have COPD in the UK, “of whom 2 million are undiagnosed”. If you’re having trouble breathing properly give serious thought about getting that checked out.

Common Treatments

There’s currently no cure for COPD but treatment can help slow the progression of the condition and control the symptoms.

These treatments include:

• Stopping Smoking –  this is the most important thing you can do to alleviate the condition
• Inhalers and Tablets – to help make breathing easier
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation – a specialised program of exercise and education
• Surgery or a Lung Transplant – although this is usually only an option for few people

Impact on Mobility

Breathlessness results in decreased flows of oxygen to the muscles and can impair walking even the shortest distances.

Some people with a severe case of COPD may find their legs swell and combined with their breathing problems, their mobility is affected by this.

Systemic effects of COPD, such as peripheral muscle dysfunction, skeletal muscle fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance, may also limit the performance of activities of daily living. And recent studies suggest COPD sufferers have an increased risk of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Type of Physician

A Pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in the respiratory system. From the windpipe to the lungs, if your complaint involves the lungs or any part of the respiratory system, a Pulmonologist is the doctor you want to solve the problem.

Managing COPD

Understand the condition – it’s essential to understand your COPD diagnosis, including the severity of your condition and any specific triggers that may exacerbate your symptoms. Talk to your doctor or respiratory specialist to learn more about COPD and how it affects your lungs.

There are several steps you can take to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. Have a read of our COPD – A Guide for Care and take a look at the useful links below.

NHS COPD

The NHS provides comprehensive care for people with COPD. If you have been diagnosed with COPD, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. The websites below might be of some use:

NHS Conditions – COPD

NHS INFORM SCOTLAND Illnesses & Conditions – COPD

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Pathway defines the core components of an optimal service for people with COPD.

nidirect.gov.uk is the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens. NI Direct aims to make it easier to access government information and services.

Local Government Support

Click on a link below and input your postcode to find Council websites relating a number of options:

• Local Authority – Occupational Therapists Near Me
• Local Authority – Official Websites Near Me
• Local Authority – Social Services Needs Assessments Near Me
• Local Authority – Radar Keys Near Me

COPD Support Groups & Organizations

There are a number of sites which range from well-known organizations to less high profile ones but nonetheless very useful options. Take a look below:

Asthma + Lung UK (previously known as the British Lung Foundation) is on a mission to change the way that lung health is perceived. It’s activities range from research and campaigning to advice and support.

Breathe Easy is the support network for the Asthma + Lung UK providing help and support to anyone living with a Chronic Lung Condition.

NARA helps numerous people who suffer severe asthma and other respiratory conditions by providing them with necessary medical equipment, support, information and care.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is a leading UK lung cancer charity dedicated to helping everyone affected by the disease.

Helpline

Asthma + Lung UK will be happy to discuss any of your COPD related questions.

Online Support Groups

Asthma + Lung UK’s Group support sessions include pulmonary rehab tasters, respiratory nurse question and answer sessions and informal chats where you can get to know other people affected by lung conditions.

Age UK provides a friendship service to talk over the phone or face-to-face, regardless of your condition.

Benefits

“Can I claim PIP for Asthma and COPD?”  Find out in our article, ‘Benefits and Entitlements if you have Mobility and Daily Living Needs’ for a comprehensive guide to which benefits you could claim.

We also have an extensive bank of Directories covering:

• Local Authority – Disabilities Facilities Grant Near Me
• Local Authority – Financial Assessments / Paying For Social Care Near Me
• Local Authority – Home Improvement Agencies / Care & Repair Near Me

In the Workplace

Useful sites for guidance on health in the workplace include:

• Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
• British Occupational Hygiene Society
• Breathe Freely
• Healthy Working LIves
• Health & Safety Laboratory

Charities

Our Directory of Charities contains an extensive listing of Charities prepared to help out where possible. Click here to input your postcode and explore the possibilities.

Awareness / Events

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) works with health care professionals and public health officials around the world to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to improve prevention and treatment of this lung disease.

COPD – A Guide for Care

We’ve created a concise Guide focusing on the fundamental aspects of caring for someone with COPD. Click here to have a look.

Fact Sheets & Flyers

• Fact Sheet – Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education COPD
• Fact Sheet – British Lung Foundation COPD

Useful Sites

myCOPD is an app for patients living with COPD. Perfect your inhaler technique with their easy-to-follow inhaler videos and learn how to manage your COPD from world experts. Complete online pulmonary rehabilitation classes from the comfort of your home and get the best in COPD care.

Professional Bodies & Knowledge Providers

The British Thoracic Society is an official body of respiratory specialists. The society includes medical practitioners, nurses, scientists and any professional with an interest in respiratory disease.

The Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS) advocates for the improvement of care and outcomes for people with respiratory diseases, bringing together all professions, offering them a welcoming, supportive, inclusive, non-hierarchical community where everybody has a voice.

The British Medical Journal is a global healthcare knowledge provider with a vision for a healthier world sharing knowledge and expertise to improve health outcomes.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care.

Private Practice

Click below to find private healthcare providers:

• topdoctors.co.uk
• onewelbeck.com
• spirovital-copdtherapy.com

Directories

Our Directories comprise over 50,000 listings covering numerous fields which might benefit people with mobility issues – we’ve highlighted a few which might be more particularly relevant to COPD sufferers:

Explore the Market

We’ve selected some options here to assist with management and treatment of COPD as well as Mobility Aids to hopefully get you out and about.

COPD Management

Mobility Solutions

Walking Sticks, Rollators, Walkers, Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs, Stairlifts and Daily Living Aids like grab rails and ramps (to name a few options) could make a real difference. Make use of our Product Comparison page for options but first here are some our recommendations below: