COPD

Question 1

What is COPD?

Answer 1

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• A group of lung diseases characterised by airflow obstruction that interferes with normal breathing
• Causes lungs to loose elasticity
• Walls of airways may also become inflamed or damage, or mucus within airways

Question 2

What are the major causes of COPD?

Answer 2

• Cigarettes leading cause of COPD
• Long term exposure to lung irritants, air pollution, chemical fumes, dust
• the lungs become more “floppy and somewhat deflated”.
• Alveoli walls become deflated or damaged, thereby restricting the amount of gas exchange that occurs

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of COPD?

Answer 3

• Dyspnea (increased shortness of breath) with exertion
• Increased breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Chronic cough
• Tightness of chest with exertion
• Sputum production through coughing: saliva + mucus from respiratory tract. A build-up can lead to problems with breathing
• Wheezing/whistling while inhaling
• Severe stages, may have swelling in the ankles and feet
• Due to decreased oxygen levels, their lips and fingernails may be bluish.

Question 4

What is the medical/surgical management of COPD?

Answer 4

• Diagnosed through history of exposure to toxins and lifestyle choices
• Series of functional pulmonary tests to determine lung function
• Spirometry test: assesses how well lungs work by measuring how much air is inhaled/exhaled

Question 5

What is the impact of COPD on ones occupational performance?

Answer 5

• Increased difficulty managing all occupations, lead to decreased quality of life
• Have precautions after cardiac procedures
• Precautions: no pushing, pulling, lifting
• Functional transfers and bed mobility modified to maintain precautions
• Household chores, work tasks, play, leisure activities limited from procedures due to lifting restrictions

Question 6

What is the role of the OT when treating COPD?

Answer 6

• Assess and treat activity limitations associated with the symptoms of COPD, most notably dyspnea to maximise patient’s ability to participate in activities of daily living (ADL), leisure and vocational pursuits
• Assessing one’s ability to safely complete ADLs
• Educating patients regarding energy conservation and work simplification techniques
• Assisting patients with progressing back to normal activities by a program of strengthening and endurance training

Question 7

What does cardiopulmonary rehabilitation involve?

Answer 7

• Coordinating activity with correct breathing to increase overall endurance.
• Breathing retraining from respiratory therapist to be incorporated into OT program
• Smoking cessation, coughing and fluid intake, postural draining to prevent mucous pooling in lungs, controlled coughing and humidification in rooms
• Relaxation techniques
• Exercise and activity programs
• Medication
• Graded progressive activity program
• Reconditioning activities
• Psychological counselling may be required
• Work simplification and energy conservation techniques
• Job analysis if required
• Education so client able to self monitor and plan activities in future
• Use of MET system to grade activities