Physiotherapy for COPD
What is COPD?
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 obstruction of the airway (problems breathing in and out properly). One of the most common conditions in the UK it usually becomes noticeable after the age of 40.
Physiotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of COPD.
With COPD your lungs airways (bronchioles) become inflamed and narrowed. Over time the lungs air sacs become permanently damaged. This will make it increasingly difficult to breathe in and out. It can become harder to do normal activities, such as walking to the shops. If not enough oxygen is getting through the narrowed airways to your heart you may also be at risk of heart failure.
Symptoms of COPD are often worse in the winter and it’s common to have two or more bad episodes. If you have COPD you will benefit from an assessment by one of our respiratory physiotherapists.
Symptoms of COPD
The symptoms of COPD can seem similar to those of asthma.
If you smoke, you have an increased risk of getting COPD. Over the years your lungs are gradually damaged more and more by the intake of smoke.
Symptoms include:
- early morning ‘smoker’s cough’,
- persistent coughing,
- mucus and phlegm,
- wheezing,
- tight chest,
- difficulty breathing,
- shortness of breath, and
- repeated lung and chest infections
Less common causes of COPD include:
- passive smoking,
- pollution,
- fumes and dust, and
- being born more susceptible to the condition.
If you have COPD, you may feel anxious about your condition. This can leave you feeling depressed and isolated making you feel very tired. This can affect your work, ability to exercise, social life, and personal relationships. Please contact W1 Physio now to find out how our respiratory physiotherapists can help you.
COPD diagnosis
Spirometry
Spirometry is usually used to diagnose COPD. It involves breathing in and out of a tube connected to a machine, so that an assessment can be made as to whether or not your airways have narrowed.
If further tests are required your physiotherapist will advise you but these can include:
- Chest radiography [a type of X-ray that will show any hyperinflation (over expansion) of your lungs]
- CT scan is more sensitive than a chest radiograph (X-ray) and is particularly useful for diagnosing lung diseases.
- Blood test [to check for anaemia (low iron levels in your red blood cells) that can make the symptoms of COPD worse]
COPD Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment for COPD usually involves relieving the symptoms; for example, by using an inhaler to make breathing easier.
Severe COPD can be prevented by making some basic changes to your lifestyle.
There is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Physiotherapy treatment is mainly used to relieve any symptoms that you have.
Our physiotherapists can help sufferers of COPD with diagnosis by spirometry followed by treatment to reduce the build up excess of phlegm and mucus.
Our respiratory physiotherapy experts will be able to give you advice about your condition and design a course of exercises and relaxation techniques to help improve your symptoms. Our aim is to provide you with a successful self management programme which you can complete in the comfort of your own home.
To arrange an appointment, please contact us now.
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Get in Touch
We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Email us now on:
office@w1physio.co.uk
Special Offers!
W1 Physiotherapy are pleased to offer a 20% discount for all students and OAPs!
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