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July 27, 2022
COPD is not one condition, but instead a group of lung conditions which are, for the most part, caused by smoking. It mainly affects adults from middle age – although it does not discriminate.
It’s important that people who believe they may have COPD seek a diagnosis. Even though it’s a progressive condition, there are treatments and care options available which mean people can continue to live a normal and independent life.
A diagnosis helps not only with management of the condition and its symptoms, but can also slow progression and prevent complications.
COPD refers to a group of lung conditions.The most common – which you have likely heard of – are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Those who have COPD will often have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both of these conditions have their own individual symptoms and causes but are generally caused by smoking tobacco.
COPD usually develops over a long period of time – and is caused by long-term exposure to chemical irritants (such as tobacco). It can also take a substantial period to diagnose, through a series of blood and lung function tests.
Whilst there’s no cure for COPD, there are treatments which people can have to improve their quality of life. It’s important that if you or a loved one believes they may have COPD to see a medical professional, as undiagnosed COPD can lead to the condition progressing quicker and a range of complications such as heart disease.
COPD can be characterised as making breathing much more difficult – this is the main symptom of the condition, but some others include:
If any of the following occur, you should look to seek urgent medical attention:
COPD is a progressive condition and therefore these symptoms will worsen over time, making daily activities increasingly difficult. However, treatment can help to slow the progression of these symptoms.
As COPD progresses other symptoms may appear such as:
Those living with COPD will often find they get ‘flare ups’ of symptoms sometimes multiple times a year when symptoms will appear worse – often in wintertime.
In some instances, COPD may be graded depending on how it has progressed from person to person. One grading system follows the pattern of:
Grade 1: Mild
Grade 2: Moderate
Grade 3: Severe
Grade 4: Very Severe
As mentioned, COPD refers to a group of lung conditions – emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Most people with COPD will have both of these conditions.
This grading system is based on a breathing test which takes into account the amount of air you can breathe out. As COPD progresses to the severe and very severe levels it can lead to vulnerability to further conditions and complications such as:
Because of the further complications that can come alongside the progression of COPD, it is important to get a diagnosis in order to start with treatments, lifestyle changes and consider care options in order to live to the fullest and prevent complications as much as possible.
Whilst there is no cure for COPD, there are various treatment and care options which can help those with the condition continue to live a fulfilling life and, in some instances, slow the progression of the condition.
Some of the treatments for COPD include:
For more information on treatments available for COPD, the NHS have outlined a range of options.
In addition to the treatments outlined above, having the right care and support is essential in living with conditions such as COPD. Whilst you or your loved one may live a long fulfilling life with COPD, having extra care and support especially as the condition progresses can have a positive impact.
As with any elderly care, the following options are available to you:
The type of care you chose may depend on the progression of your COPD. For many residential care or assisted living may be enough support – with activities and meals arranged for you. However, as the condition progresses and changes, nursing care may be required.
Live-in care provides an alternative to a residential care home and can be adapted as the condition progresses. Where domiciliary or visiting care only allows a person a certain number of visits per day, live-in care ensures a professional carer is available for support around the clock.
A live-in carer would be able to provide a person living with COPD with the necessary support they need when it comes to day-to-day tasks, errands, housekeeping, meal prep and even pet care. In addition to this, as the condition progresses more complex care needs can be met.
Elder are able to provide live-in care for a range of complex conditions, including COPD. Our professional caregivers are able to offer support for complex conditions and care requirements – and our matching service ensures you get matched with a carer who is not only highly qualified but also compliments your own personality.
From day-to-housekeeping, cooking, cleaning and supporting with personal care our live-in carers are available for around the clock support. For more complex needs, they can support treatment plans and encourage the continuation of medication schedules.
For those with more complex care needs – associated with the progression of COPD Elder are also able to provide 24-hour care which involves two live-in carers and means there will be someone available 24/7 to assist with various care needs.
