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Living with COPD

Learning that you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD means you will have to make some changes in your lifestyle to manage the disease.

When you have COPD, the airways in your lungs become inflamed and can start to thicken. The tissues where oxygen is exchanged gradually begin to deteriorate. The end result is that the flow of air that goes in and out of your lungs is decreased and less oxygen is taken in throughout the body. The reduced air flow also means that it is harder to expel carbon dioxide. As the disease progresses, this reduced ability to breath makes it harder to carry on normal activities. The good news is that COPD is treatable with medications and therapies.

Here are five suggestions from the American Lung Association on how to manage life with COPD:

1. Protect your lungs —  Unlike other organs in your body, the lungs are directly connected to the outside world each time you take a breath. When you have COPD, you need to be very aware of the air you breathe since your airways are already compromised. To begin, if you smoke, take steps to quit. If you don’t smoke, you still need to avoid being in places where there is cigarette or any other type of smoke. Avoid breathing in strong industrial compounds like dust and fumes. On days when there are high levels of pollution, try to avoid going outdoors.

2. Don’t abandon exercise — Even though you may find it difficult to be active, exercise is still important. Check with your doctor who can recommend specific types of exercise that are safe for your set of conditions. A therapist can assist in teaching you how to set the proper pace and when to take a break. Remember the exercise will help your blood to circulate and allow your heart to send oxygen to your body. Exercise will also strengthen your respiratory muscles so you can breathe better.

3. Adopt a healthy diet — It may be surprising to learn that what you eat can affect your ability to breathe. A diet with fewer carbohydrates and more poly- and mono-unsaturated fats can improve your breathing because your body will produce less carbon dioxide, a waste product which the body needs to expel. Also be sure to get enough fluids during the day. Eating smaller meals can ease breathing issues as well.

4. Develop a plan — No two cases of COPD are the same, so it is best to work with your physician instead of taking advice from a friend. There are different medications to help manage COPD. Work with your doctor to determine which medication works best for you. Also, come up with an action plan of what is normal and what symptoms need immediate attention at an emergency room. It is best to take a team approach with your doctor to manage COPD.

5. Practice beneficial breathing techniques — Most of the time, we don’t need to think about breathing because it happens automatically. However, there are some beneficial ways to breathe that can reduce symptoms when they occur. For example, deep breathing using your diaphragm can help when you feel short of breath. Pursed lip breathing involves taking in air through your nose and breathing out through your mouth to slow breathing and relax muscles. Working with a therapist can help you learn how to use these beneficial techniques.

Health challenges
Having COPD can complicate recovery from a medical procedure or illness. In addition to having the pain and healing challenges of a procedure, people with COPD can experience greater risk of developing lung issues. This is why many COPD patients consider recovering in a short-term rehabilitation center where there are therapies in place and trained staff to address and then manage complications. One of the most respected options for this level of care is Glenview Terrace where experienced staff can deliver effective treatment using the cutting-edge equipment in the recently renovated post-hospital transitional care wing. There is now a new rehab gym designed exclusively for those with COPD and other conditions.

At Glenview Terrace, a team of professionals monitor each patient’s needs whether it is managing COPD or other chronic health issues, as they work toward your goal of a quick recovery. Therapists work one-on-one with each guest to help in regaining strength and mobility. An attentive nursing staff ensures all of your doctor’s orders are met and you are as comfortable as possible. Glenview Terrace also provides a healthy diet at every meal filled with all the nutrients, which help promote recovery.

A stay at Glenview Terrace is all about recovering as quickly as possible in an elegant setting. Amenities include tastefully appointed rooms with bathrooms featuring deluxe walk-in showers. Thoughtful extras for short-term rehabilitation guests include morning coffee and newspaper delivery as well as concierge services. The attractive, landscaped grounds with a spacious patio and tranquil fountain also provide a calming environment for a time of recovery.

When it is time for expert care that addresses all your health needs, consider Glenview Terrace where the focus is always to help get you back to the independent lifestyle you desire. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.

Copyright © 2018, Chicago Tribune
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