How COPD Management works

Improved quality of life and patient independence

The management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) consists of reducing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease, in addition to reducing hospitalizations and exacerbations of the condition. COPD has no cure and management is increasingly aimed at the quality of life and independence of affected individuals.

Different ways to manage COPD

The management strategy is to control symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and reduce the risk of hospitalization. Before the respiratory failure phase, therapeutic management is based on the following axes:

  • Quit smoking
    Quitting smoking is the first factor in preventing the progression of the disease.

  • Practice Physical Activity
    Development of physical activity and weight monitoring

  • Get
    vaccinated Flu and pneumococcal vaccinations to prevent lung infections

  • Respiratory rehabilitation
    is indicated in some conditions

  • Bronchodilators +/- LTOT - followed by helps reduce COPD symptoms

More about respiratory rehabilitation

It is indicated in cases of dyspnea (feeling short of breath) or when the person has a decrease in daily activities and exercise intolerance . In these conditions, respiratory rehabilitation brings many benefits : it improves quality of life, providing greater tolerance to effort, reduces dyspnea, anxiety and even depression associated with COPD, in addition to reducing the number of hospitalizations.

Respiratory rehabilitation is based on comprehensive care by a multidisciplinary team. A series of 12 to 20 sessions is organized, including physical activity (weight training, stress exercises), respiratory physiotherapy and therapeutic education. 

Respiratory rehabilitation brings many benefits

When COPD progresses to chronic respiratory failure...

When COPD progresses to chronic respiratory failure and constitutes a disabling condition for the person, the physician may prescribe long-term home oxygen therapy . At this advanced stage, emphysema in the lungs leads to real blood oxygenation problems. Unable to guarantee gas exchange with inspired air, the alveoli no longer allow the delivery of oxygen to the body (hypoxemia).

Long-term oxygen therapy treatment (+/- LTOT) can help maintain normal blood oxygen levels by administering O²-enriched air from pure oxygen containers or oxygen concentrator sources.

COPD involves comprehensive multidisciplinary care and requires the coordination of different health professionals, as well as the social and medico-social sectors. 

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COPD male patient (cooking) 5

Living with COPD

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References

1. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global Strategy for the diagnosis management and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mis à jour in 2017; disponible sur http://goldcopd.org/gold-2017-global-strategy-diagnosis-management-prev…;…
2. ERS. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in: European lung white book. Available on
3 . http://www.erswhitebook.org/chapters/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-dise…;…
4. http://www.who.int/gard/publications/chronic_respiratory_diseases.pdf
5 . www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/
6.WHO. Bronchopneumopathie chronic obstructive (BPCO). Aide mémoire N°315, October 2014. Available on www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs315/fr/ ; see 11/05/2014