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End Stage COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
A devastating illness that robs a person of the freedom to come and go as they please. The need for oxygen controls every thing you do. A simple thing like bathing can be a nightmare. The fear of not being able to breathe shuts down air passages and creates a domino effect of symptoms. The more anxious the patient becomes the more difficult it is to breathe which triggers more anxiety. Medication gives a small amount of relief for the anxiety but must be given carefully. Close attention must be paid to the onset of any lung infection so it can be treated before requiring hospitalization. Patients become confused and disoriented while battling infections because the lungs ability to dispel CO2 is diminished and this confusion may be the first sign. Build up of CO2 in the body creates confusion, memory loss, sleepiness and the patient becomes disoriented making it necessary to monitor them more closely. They may take their medications twice or completely forget them altogether. It is often difficult for them to remember to use their rescue inhalers when necessary. Because everything requires extra effort, they need to be strongly encouraged to stick with a daily therapy program. Walking is extremely important as well as strength building for the upper body. This is the biggest challenge for the caregiver. Diet and nutrition are also extremely important. Eating 5-6 small meals and 3 snacks each day will make the stomach less full. Large meals leave you feeling too full and short of breath. Also try to eat less of the foods that cause gas to avoid the "too full" feeling. Some of the foods that create carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body and need to be avoided are sweets, desserts and carbonated drinks. Be sure the patient drinks plenty of water and other liquids each day.
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Contributor's Note
Christmas 2006. He developed a severe lung infection within days. Close contact is dangerous for patients with COPD.
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Family Christmas 2006
Building strength in the upper body.
Nebulizer treatments are critical
Treadmill exercise keeps the body moving
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