Welcome to Pulmonary Rehab

IrritantsBabette Parthum, RRTClinical CoordinatorRespiratory Therapy

● Discuss some possible irritants to a person with COPD

● What can cause a flare up and how to avoid these flare ups.

● What to do during a flare up● When to seek medical attention● How to stay healthy during flu season.

Objectives

Learn Your Personal COPD Irritants

● Smoking, or being around smoke● Infections, such as a cold or the flu● Strong fumes, such as perfumes● Air pollution● Weather changes● Very cold or very humid air● Stress and anxiety

Keep a diary of what causes your COPD flare ups.

● Where were you when your symptoms got worse?

● What were you doing when your symptoms got worse?

● What were the symptoms that got worse?● Were there any new symptoms?● What did you do to reduce your symptoms?● What can you do to avoid this irritant in the

future?

How can you avoid flare ups and keep your COPD under control?

● Do not smoke! Stay away from places where people are smoking.

● Stay away from people who are sick with a cold, sore throat, flu, or pneumonia. Speak with your doctor about getting the flu and pneumonia vaccine.

● Try not to sit in traffic (exhaust fumes) or go outside if there are air pollution alerts (IE marsh fires)

● In cold weather, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf. Try to breathe through your nose.

● In hot, humid weather, stay indoors in an air-conditioned room.

● Don’t breathe in fumes from perfumes, paint, or cleaning products.

● Learn ways to relax and manage stress. Try deep breathing or yoga.

You may not always be able to avoid your risks. What should you do if your COPD symptoms get worse:

● Try to get away from the irritant.● Take your rescue medication as ordered by your

physician.● Perform pursed-lip breathing exercises to help reduce

shortness of breath:○ Sit in a chair upright○ Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 2○ Purse (pucker) your lips as if you were going to blow

out a candle and breathe out slowly for a count of 4.○ Repeat as needed.

When should you seek medical attention?● When you are getting a bad cold or chest infection.● When you have a productive cough with yellow or

green mucus.● When you are using more puffs than usual of your

rescue inhalers.● When you feel like your medicine is not working as

well as it normally does.● When you are having a very hard time breathing.● When you are coughing up blood.● When you have sudden shortness of breath with or

without chest pain.

What happens when you have COPD & get a respiratory infection?

● Having an infection can make your COPD symptoms worse. You may experience○ More shortness of breath○ Chest tightness○ More coughing and/or more mucus than usual○ Fever

Call your physician if you have any of these symptoms. You may need your medicine changed or need an antibiotic to help fight the infection.

Pneumonia and COPD● Pneumonia is a serious disease especially for

people with COPD.● COPD patient’s already have weakened lungs.● Pneumonia can cause:

○ The lungs to fill with mucus and other fluids.■This makes it hard for oxygen to reach the

blood●Which causes the body to not function the

way it should.

Take steps to avoid getting the flu and pneumonia.

● Take the flu shot every year in October or November (just before flu season begins)

● The people you live with should get the flu shot too. This will decrease your chance of getting the flu.

● Avoid crowds during flu season.● Wash your hands often and do not touch your

face.● Talk to your physician about getting the

pneumonia shot too.

Conclusion● Begin to think about what your irritants are that

cause your COPD to flare up.● Keep a diary of your flare ups and share it with

your physician.● When possible, avoid the irritants that cause your

COPD to flare up.● Seek medical attention when needed. Do not

wait until it is too late.● Avoid people who are sick and stay away from

crowds during flu season. If possible get your flu and/or pneumonia shot.

References

● American Lung Association● COPD Foundation