COPD - adults - discharge
You were in the hospital to treat breathing problems that are caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD damages your lungs. This makes it hard to breathe and get enough oxygen.
You got oxygen in the hospital to help you breathe better, and you may need to use oxygen at home. Your doctor may have changed some of your COPD drugs during your hospital stay.
Walk to build up strength:
Walk until it is a little hard to breathe. Ride a stationary bike. Ask your doctor or therapist how long and how hard to ride. Make yourself stronger even when you are sitting:
Ask your doctor whether you need to use oxygen during your activities.
Know how and when to take your COPD drugs:
Eat smaller meals more often. It might be easier to breathe when your stomach isn't full. Try to eat 6 small meals a day. Do not drink a lot of liquid before eating, or with your meals.
Ask your doctor what foods to eat to get more energy. See also: Eating extra calories when you are sick - adults
If you smoke, STOP. Stay away from smokers when you are out, and do not allow smoking in your home. Stay away from strong odors and fumes. Do breathing exercises.
Talk to your doctor if you feel depressed or anxious.
See also: Pursed lip breathing
Having COPD makes it easier for you to get infections. Get a flu shot every year. Ask your doctor if you should get a pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine.
Wash your hands often, and always after you go to the bathroom and when you are around people who are sick.
Stay away from crowds. Ask a visitor with a cold to wear a mask or to postpone their visit.
Place items you use a lot in spots where you do not have to reach or bend over to get them.
Use a cart with wheels to move things around the house and kitchen. Use an electric can opener, dishwasher, and other things that will make your chores easier to do. Use cooking tools (knives, peelers, and pans) that are not heavy.
Tips to save energy:
Never change how much oxygen is flowing in your oxygen setup without asking your doctor.
Always have a back-up supply of oxygen in the home or with you when you go out. Keep the phone number of your oxygen supplier with you at all times. Learn how to use oxygen safely at home.
Your hospital doctor or nurse may ask you to make a follow-up visit with:
Call your doctor if, your breathing is:
Also call your doctor if:
Anthonisen N. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. In: Goldman L, Auseillo D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 88.
Wilt TJ, Niewoehner D, MacDonald R, Kane RL. Management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review for a clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:141.
Xu W, Collet JP, Shapiro S, Lin Y, Yang T, Platt RW, et al. Independent effect of depression and anxiety on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and hospitalizations. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008;178:913-920.
Rodrigo G, Castro-Rodriguez JA, Plaza V. Safety and efficacy of combined long-acting beta-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids vs. long-acting beta-agonists monotherapy for stable COPD: a systematic review. Chest. 2009; 136(4):1029-1038.