UPMC for Life Dual (HMO SNP) Plan and UPMC Community HealthChoices Plan Caring for Life Newsletter

CARING FOR LIFE • Issue Three • 2021 10 Early detection of COPD may help your doctor limit its progress. If you’re experiencing any breathing issues, you may want to have a spirometry, a simple test to measure your lung function. This test can help determine if your difficulty breathing is due to COPD. People suffering from COPD are more likely to struggle with simple physical activities like walking or climbing stairs. They may need supplemental oxygen tanks to aid in breathing, which can limit their ability to leave the house and visit friends and family, go to places of worship, or eat out. Those with COPD are more likely to have chronic diseases like congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and asthma. They’re also more likely to have increased confusion or memory loss, suffer Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious group of diseases that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in 2018, and almost 15.7 million Americans have been diagnosed with the illness. COPD is caused by exposure to air pollutants, especially tobacco smoke. But air pollution and occupational exposure to chemicals can also lead to COPD. from depression or anxiety, and have to visit the emergency room or stay overnight in the hospital. But there are things you can do to lower your risk for COPD or to improve your condition through treatment if you’ve already been diagnosed: Stop smoking. Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do. You should also avoid situations where you may be exposed to tobacco smoke. Pulmonary rehabilitation. A doctor can develop a personalized treatment program to improve your quality of life. You’ll learn the best ways to exercise, discover more about your condition, and find local support groups who can help. Proper medication. Prescribed medicines can help reduce symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Get vaccinated. Lung infections are especially dangerous for those with COPD. Make sure you are current on your COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal vaccines. Use supplemental oxygen. Oxygen can help you maintain mental functioning. Don’t be embarrassed to use an oxygen tank—it’s more common than you think. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Basics About COPD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/copd/ basics-about.html What you need to know about COPD If you have COPD, you may sometimes find it hard to eat because you get short of breath. To prevent this: • Eat six small meals a day instead of three large meals. This will keep you from filling your stomach, which may cause shortness of breath. • Limit salt. Too much sodium can cause you to retain fluids that may interfere with breathing. • Limit caffeine. Caffeine may interfere with some medications and can also make you feel nervous. • Don’t eat food that gives you gas or makes you feel bloated. Eating well for COPD • Choose foods that are easy to prepare—you don’t want to waste all your energy preparing a meal. Try to rest before eating so you can enjoy your meal. If you are using oxygen, be sure to wear your cannula while eating and after meals, too. Eating and digestion require energy, and this means your body uses more oxygen. Consult your physician if you have other dietary restrictions or if you are overweight or underweight. Source: lung.org