If you have been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), there are a variety of treatments available to make the condition more manageable. Manse Medical is a sleep and respiratory clinic that has the resources and experts to both diagnose and treat conditions including COPD.
Because different COPD treatments work for different people, Manse Medical’s experts work with patients to ensure that they receive a comprehensive and actionable treatment plan that will effectively treat their symptoms and give them a better quality of life.
How does Manse Medical address COPD in patients?
There are many different ways for people to experience COPD. Hence, the goal for the respiratory experts at Manse Medical is to analyse your symptoms to determine what kind of COPD you are affected by, which then informs the treatment plan that you will receive.
How does Manse Medical diagnose COPD?
Spirometry testing
The primary method used to diagnose COPD is called spirometry testing. It involves having the patient blow a deep breath into a machine called a spirometer, which measures the amount of air inhaled and exhaled, as well as the rate and force of the patient’s breath.
Other diagnosis procedures
In addition to Spirometry testing, other procedures that could be carried out to test for COPD include;
- physical examination
- medical history
- gas transfer and lung volume tests
- blood tests
- sputum analysis
- chest x-ray
- computed tomography (CT) scan
How does Manse Medical treat COPD?
There are many different treatments that Manse Medical can provide for COPD. Each of these treatments are effective in certain circumstances. It is their combinations that make for effective COPD treatment.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
This is considered one of the most effective treatments for COPD, and is therefore recommended for all COPD patients that regularly find themselves short of breath. It is a form of rehabilitation that has multiple parts, including exercise training, education, nutrition counselling and psychosocial support.
Medication
There are two kinds of COPD medications: reliever medicines, which are taken when symptoms flare up, and maintenance medicines, which are taken every day for the sake of long term improvements. The majority of these medications are delivered directly into the lungs via inhalers.
These medications include;
- Short acting bronchodilators used for the quick relief of COPD symptoms, typically lasting about 4-6 hours
- Long acting bronchodilators used for long term COPD management of symptoms as well as the prevention of flare ups, typically lasting about 12-24 hours
- Combination bronchodilators plus inhaled corticosteroids used to treat COPD if you have regular flare-ups of your COPD, you still have symptoms after using a long-acting inhaler, and/or your condition is an overlap of COPD and asthma
- Bronchodilators in tablet form, which are only used in some cases of severe COPD
- Oral corticosteroids, tablets designed to reduce inflammation in the lungs in the event of a flare up
- Antibiotics and Mucolytics, used to reduce mucus and address a flare up if the symptoms are the result of bacteria
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy is a treatment that can be used in-clinic or at home. It helps to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can reduce breathlessness, improving the quality of life for people with COPD. Oxygen therapy is administered through a device called an oxygen concentrator, which filters out nitrogen and other gases in the air, leaving only oxygen. This oxygen is then delivered to the patient through a mask or nasal cannula.
Non-Invasive Ventilation
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) involves the delivery of air using a face mask, nasal mask, or a helmet, rather than an invasive artificial airway (such as a tube). Air, usually with added oxygen, is given to the patient through the mask under positive pressure, where the amount is altered depending on whether the patient is breathing in or out.
Immunisation
Because vaccination reduces the risks associated with influenza and pneumococcal infection, Manse Medical recommends influenza immunisation and pneumococcal immunisation for all patients with COPD.
Smoking Cessation
In the event that the COPD patient is a smoker, Manse Medical will recommend and aid the patient to quit smoking, as stopping smoking is the only intervention that has been shown to improve the natural progression of COPD by improving a patient’s cough, easing breathlessness and slowing down further lung damage.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of progressive lung conditions including:
- Emphysema – shortness of breath due to damage to the air sacs in the lungs
- Chronic bronchitis – persistent coughing and excess mucus production in the lungs
- Chronic asthma – wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath caused by the airways in the lungs becoming inflamed and narrowing
If COPD is not addressed and treated, it can lead to a range of potentially debilitating health complication, including:
- Chest infections, that can be exacerbated by illnesses such as the common cold
- Pneumonia, a lung infection that targets the alveoli and bronchioles
- Collapsed lung, in which coughing causes an air pocket in the lungs to burst, deflating the lung
- Heart problems, as the heart has to overexert itself to pump blood through the damaged lungs
- Osteoporosis, in which bones become thin and break more easily
- Anxiety and depression, due to breathlessness or the fear of breathlessness
- Oedema (fluid retention), because problems with blood circulation can cause fluid to pool, particularly in the feet and ankles
- Hypoxaemia caused by lack of oxygen to the brain. Symptoms include cognitive difficulties such as confusion, memory lapses and depression
- Risks of sedentary lifestyle – as symptoms of COPD progress, many people adjust their lifestyle to avoid symptoms, which means forgoing healthy activity which leads to other potentially serious health problems, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease
Because of these health risks, it is imperative that COPD symptoms are treated as soon as possible.
What are the causes of COPD?
COPD is most commonly caused by smoking. However, other common causes include;
- Environmental toxins, such as air pollution, dust and chemicals
- Genetic factors, which can make some people more likely to develop COPD
- Long-term exposure to second-hand smoke, fumes from burning fuel, and other types of air pollution
Other causes of COPD can include frequent respiratory infections, an abnormal immune response to inhaled particles, and a history of asthma or bronchitis.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
The most common symptoms of COPD are;
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- An increase in mucus production.
People with COPD may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty sleeping, all of which contribute to difficulty performing everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking, and doing household chores.
Additionally, people with COPD may be at an increased risk of developing other health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease FAQs
Can COPD be prevented?
While it may not be entirely preventable, adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, and minimising exposure to lung irritants can significantly reduce the risk of developing COPD.
Are there different stages of COPD?
Yes, COPD is often classified into four stages (mild, moderate, severe, and very severe) based on the severity of symptoms and lung function. Staging helps guide treatment decisions and assess disease progression. Early identification of the stage allows healthcare professionals to tailor interventions to manage and slow the progression of the disease effectively.
What is the role of vaccinations in COPD management?
Vaccinations, such as the annual flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine, are recommended for individuals with COPD. These vaccinations can help prevent respiratory infections that may worsen COPD symptoms.
How does airway inflammation contribute to COPD?
Chronic inflammation of the airways is a key factor in COPD. It leads to the narrowing of air passages and the destruction of lung tissue, making it harder for individuals to breathe. Understanding the role of inflammation underscores the importance of anti-inflammatory treatments in managing COPD symptoms and improving overall lung function.
What is the life expectancy for someone with COPD?
Life expectancy can vary based on factors such as the severity of COPD, overall health, and lifestyle. While COPD is a progressive condition, early diagnosis, proper management, and a healthy lifestyle can positively impact life expectancy.
Is COPD treatable?
Yes. While there is no cure for COPD, treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes are common components of COPD management.
What is a COPD exacerbation?
A COPD exacerbation is a sudden worsening of symptoms, often triggered by infections or exposure to irritants. It may require medical intervention, including medications like bronchodilators or antibiotics.
Can air quality affect COPD symptoms?
Yes, poor air quality, including high levels of pollution or exposure to irritants, can exacerbate COPD symptoms. It’s important for individuals with COPD to avoid such environments when possible. Monitoring and controlling exposure to environmental factors can significantly improve symptom management and overall respiratory health for those living with COPD.
Where can I go for high quality Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment?
At Manse Medical, we provide both high-quality diagnosis and treatment for respiratory disorders such as COPD. Book your appointment online by selecting your preferred clinic and choosing from the list of available specialists.
