 Mucolytics – help make mucus more liquid,

RISKFACTORS making it easier to cough up.

 Vaccinations – help prevent you getting flus
BETTER LIVING WITH COPD • Smoking
and (killer) pneumonias.
• Family History of Disease
Conditions
• Age KEEPING YOUR LUNGS CLEAR
• Chemicals  Drink fluids to ensure adequate hydration
• Medical Condition  Stop smoking
 Control alcohol intake
 Exercise regularly and airway
HOW IS COPD DIAGNOSED
clearance techniques
C – chronic (long term) • Lung function tests  Use your prescribed inhaler medicine
O – obstructive (partly blocked) • Chest X-ray
P – pulmonary (the lungs) • CT scan HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL
D – disease (or illness) • Bronchoscopy You can still enjoy holidays and travelling abroad with
COPD. Here are a few pointers to help you get on your
(Australian lung foundation, 2016)
way:
TO AVOID COMMON TRIGGERS
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an
 Use unscented cleaning products.  Ensure you have a full supply of medications
umbrella term for conditions that cause obstruction of
 Avoid wearing perfume or using aerosol sprays. and a rescue prescription
airflow in the breathing tubes or airways of the lungs.
 If travelling by plane, be aware that some
When the condition occurs, it is chronic (long term) in  Avoid smoky environment.
airlines may require a letter to allow you carry
nature, and therefore the airflow obstruction is usually  Seasonal fluctuations (winter and pollen)
medications and equipment on the aircraft, so state this
permanent or ‘irreversible’.  Get your annual flu vaccination. when booking and consult your G.P. prior to travelling
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COPD  Avoid heavily travelled roads if possible
KNOW YOUR MEDICINES
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical  Pace your journey, take plenty of rest breaks
Medications for COPD fall into several groups:
activities. and get out and stretch your legs if possible
 Bronchodilators/ Relievers – open your lungs
• Wheezing
to relieve shortness of breath and wheezing. WORKING WITH COPD
• Chest tightness  Steroid/Preventers – work over the long term,
With treatment, most continue in their employment as
• A long-standing cough with clear, white, yellow, or reduce swelling and calm inflammation in your airways.
normal. However, if your job entails heavy manual
greenish mucus(sputum)  Antibiotics – treat chest infections by killing
work, working in a dusty/smoky environment, you may
• Repeated chest infections even after antibiotics. bacteria.
have to make certain adjustments in your work area.
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  Benefit from the knowledge and experience of other USEFUL LINKS
people who have lung conditions.
 www.quit.ie
FORMAL RELAXATION PRACTICE  Build your own support network to help manage your  Alpha One Foundation
 Increase your metabolism. health.  COPD support
 Slow your heart rate.  Plan and use available services as you need them.  Health A-Z: bronchodilators
 Relax your muscles.  Health A-Z: corticosteroids
 Slow your breathing. HELP AND SUPPORT LINES FOR COPD
 Lower your blood pressure COPD Support Ireland,
C/O Creidim Centre
Central Park
Leopardstown Road
Dublin 18
D18 FF64
Contact: Sue Boles
Email: suzyrigside41@gmail.co m
INTIMACY AND COPD Phone:086 0851646
Planning for Sexual Activity: Contact: Paddy Grimes
Email: paddy.grimes@hotmail.com
 Incorporate controlled breathing techniques
Phone:087 6417198
 Plan sexual activity when you feel at your best in the
day.
 Cough and clear sputum prior
 Use your reliever puffer before or during sexual
activity.
 If you use home oxygen for activities, plan to use the
same amount of oxygen during sexual activity. WORLD COPD DAY: WEDNESDAY 18,
 Be aware of your symptoms: breathlessness is normal NOVEMBER. 2020
during any demanding activity.
 If anxiety and fatigue develop, stop, and rest briefly.
 Change positions if you become uncomfortable.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES?

 Be an active participant in your care.

 Learn about your lung condition and learn how to
manage and adapt to it.
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