Pulmonary Conditions Flashcards
COPD, Asthma, Emphysema
How does pursed-lip breathing work, and what are its benefits and for who?
- Inhales through nose for 2 counts, pucker lips as if you are blowing out a candle and exhale through lips for 4 counts
- Slows Breathing rate.
- Keeping Airways Open
- Improves Gas Exchange
- Reduces the Work of Breathing: Makes each breath more efficient, reducing the overall effort required
- Calms the Nervous System - reduces anxiety
- Reduces SOOB and increases endurance
Who: COPD and asthma.
Encourage clients to use pursed-lip breathing during tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or bending
How does diaphragmatic breathing work, and what are its benefits?
- Engages the Diaphragm: Focuses on expanding the diaphragm rather than using shallow chest breaths.
- Enhancing Lung Capacity: By using the diaphragm more effectively, it increases the lung’s ability to take in and expel air.
- Reducing Breathing Rate: reduces the overall rate of breathing and improves lung efficiency.
- Relaxing the Body: Encourages relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
How does controlled breathing work, and what are its benefits?
How it works:
Slow, Controlled Breaths: Involves taking slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth, usually at a controlled pace (e.g., 4-second inhale, 6-second exhale).
Benefits:
Helps regulate the breathing rate, reduces anxiety, increases relaxation, and improves overall oxygen absorption.
Who: It’s effective for managing asthma and anxiety-related breathlessness.
How does box breathing work, and what are its benefits?
How it works:
Inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding the breath for equal counts (e.g., 4 seconds each).
Benefits:
- The structured pattern helps calm the nervous system, reducing feelings of anxiety or panic.
- Improving Oxygenation and improves lung function.
Who: effective for managing shortness of breath during stressful situations or asthma attacks.
How does the controlled coughing technique work, and what are its benefits?
How it works:
Takes a deep breath, holds it, and then coughs with controlled exhalation.
Clearing Airways: Helps expel mucus or foreign particles from the airways, reducing the risk of infection or blockage.
Benefits: Clears mucus, reduces the risk of airway obstruction, improves lung function, and supports better oxygenation in individuals with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis.
How does the humming technique work, and what are its benefits?
How it works:
Hum gently while exhaling, which creates resistance and vibrates the chest and airways.
Improving Airway Patency: The vibrations help open the airways and stimulate better airflow.
Benefits: Improves oxygenation, opens airways, reduces shortness of breath, and can help individuals with asthma and COPD maintain clear airways.
How does the tripod position work, and what are its benefits?
How it works:
Forward-Leaning Posture: Sitting with hands resting on the knees or thighs, elbows bent, and chest forward to help open the chest and airways.
Promotes Lung Expansion makes breathing easier by reducing the workload on respiratory muscles.
Who: individuals with COPD or asthma during acute episodes.
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by airflow limitation.
What is emphysema?
Emphysema is a type of COPD where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, leading to difficulty in breathing.
What is chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD characterized by inflammation and excessive mucus production in the airways, leading to a persistent cough.
What is pulmonary fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where lung tissue becomes scarred, leading to difficulty breathing.
What is included in an occupational therapy evaluation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Evaluation includes assessing lung function, endurance, breathlessness, energy levels, and the impact of COPD on ADLs.
The therapist also evaluates for signs of anxiety or depression, stress levels related to chronic illness, cognitive functioning related to managing the disease.
What are some occupational therapy interventions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Interventions include
- energy conservation techniques,
- breathing exercises (e.g., pursed-lip breathing),
- Body mechanics to support
- training in activity pacing,
- home modifications for safety, and support ADL independence.
Use of Proper Body Mechanics when Lifting or Moving Objects:
- Keep Objects Close: When lifting or moving objects, keep them close to the body to reduce strain on the diaphragm and abdomen
- Use Legs, Not Back: When bending, teach clients to use their legs (bend knees, not back) to avoid straining the body and increasing abdominal pressure, which can impact lung capacity.
- Push Rather Than Pull: When moving objects, encourage clients to push rather than pull. This reduces the effort needed and minimizes strain on the respiratory system.
Optimising environment includes:
Ensuring Adequate Ventilation: A well-ventilated environment helps with better oxygenation. Encourage the use of fans, open windows, or air filtration systems when possible.
Why is it important to keep upright posture?
Encourage maintaining an upright posture during all activities to maximize lung expansion and facilitate easier breathing.
Avoid slouching or leaning forward, as this can compress the lungs and increase the work of breathing
Use tools such as reachers, dressing sticks, or long-handled shoehorns to make dressing and grooming easier without having to bend or strain.
