Patient Education: What is COPD? Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatments

COPD, aka Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, affects more than 15 million Americans according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Although COPD rates have been slowly decreasing over the past few years, it is still important to know its risk factors, symptoms, and treatments. Not only to pass the NCLEX, but to educate patients as well.

What is COPD?

COPD, aka Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a combination of two diseases that makes breathing very difficult. First off we have emphysema, which decreases the lungs ability to expand, making gas exchange less effective. Secondly COPD refers to chronic bronchitis, bronchi meaning of the bronchioles and -itis meaning inflammation.

Risk Factors

Although COPD is seen in both men and women, men tend to be at greater risk. A history of smoking tobacco is the primary cause of COPD. In addition, exposure to air pollutants, such as secondhand smoke and chemicals, will increase the risk. A history of respiratory infections may also play a role in the development of COPD. Lastly, those who have decreased pulmonary reserve related to the aging process may also be at greater risk.

Symptoms

Patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease will have chronic shortness of breath. Their activity may be limited because of this to the point where the patient is unable to work. A productive cough is often seen each morning. The patient will likely need special equipment to enhance oxygen exchange, such as an oxygen tank, due to their hypoxemia (aka low oxygen levels). Upon visual examination, the patient will likely have a larger neck and a more barreled chest with thin extremities. They will also have clubbed fingernails and purple/blue colored nail beds from improper oxygenation. When auscultating the lungs, it is common to hear crackles and wheezes paired with rapid, shallow breaths and an irregular breathing pattern. Overall, patients with COPD often report having a poor health status both physically and emotionally because of their inability to participate in social engagements.

COPD has similar symptoms as asthma and pneumonia, visit What is Asthma? Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatments and What is Pneumonia? Symptoms, Labs, and Treatments for more information.

Treatment – Medications

While there is no cure for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, there are a few treatments. Bronchodilators are often prescribed to help open the bronchioles, such as albuterol and ipratropium. Anti-inflammatory agents will also be used to decrease the inflammation in the airways, such as prednisone and montelukast. Mucolytic agents might be prescribed if the patient has a very thick productive cough to help thin the secretions. Such as guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.

Treatment – Non-Pharmaceuticals

In addition to taking medications as prescribed, the patient may also be given an order for chest physiotherapy. Chest physiotherapy, CPT for short, is a technique that uses percussion or vibration to help mobilize thick secretions associated with COPD. This can be done by a therapist or by a machine. Supplemental portable oxygen will also be prescribed for patients with hypoxemia, aka low oxygen.

Patient Education

While compliance to the prescribed treatment regimen is great, the other part of treating COPD is educating your patient. As always, educate your patient to stop smoking or exposing themselves to secondhand smoke. In addition, avoid any air pollutants as well as lung infections by getting the seasonal flu and pneumonia vaccines. Teach your patients how to use their portable oxygen and how to monitor their oxygen saturation at home. Encourage rest periods in between activity and give referrals to respiratory services, nutritional services, and rehabilitation services as needed.

If Left Untreated…

If Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is left untreated, it can lead to respiratory infections from the inability to expel thick secretions. It can also lead to right-sided heart failure from the increased pressure in the lungs and workload on the heart. And as we know, both infections and heart failure can eventually lead to death. Which is why early diagnosis and patient education are so important in COPD treatment.

Do you treat patients with COPD? Comment below!

Plus be sure to check out the rest of the Patient Education Series:

• How to Spot a Stroke and Save a Life
• A Guide to Treating and Managing Type 1 Diabetes
• A Guide to Treating and Managing Type 2 Diabetes
• How to Effectively Manage Acute and Chronic Pain
• Identifying Sepsis and Understanding its Care and Treatment
• What is Hypertension? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
• What is Heart Failure? Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatments
• What are Urinary Tract Infections? UTI Prevention and Treatments

For more information on Asthma by the CDC, click here.