If your loved one has COPD, there is plenty you can do to help. Here are some things you can do as a family caregiver to make your loved one’s life easier.

1. Fighting COPD

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is one of the
most common lung diseases. It makes breathing, an involuntary
action people often take for granted, a very difficult task.
Image: http://diseasespictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-3.jpg

3. • There are two main forms of COPD, chronic bronchitis, which
involves a long-term cough with mucus, and emphysema, which
involves destruction of the lungs over time.
• Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions.
Image: http://diseasespictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease.jpg

4. If your loved one has COPD, there is plenty you can do to help.
• However, understand it’s a tall task and can become exhausting.
• There are good days and bad days with COPD.
• “Cabin fever” is common for both the patient and family members,
along with depression.

5. Here are some things you can do as a family caregiver to make
your loved one’s life easier

6. Avoiding crises with COPD
With bad times and occasional rushing to the ER, it’s easy to feel
overwhelmed. However, with the COPD Management Tool,
developed by the American Lung Association, you can develop a
plan of action with your doctor. It allows you to prevent crises
through disease management.

7. Breathing and anxiety: Proven relaxation techniques
First, to help breathing, breathe slowly through your nose,
counting to five. Then exhale slowly, counting to five, and repeat.
Also, you can use muscle relaxation. Tense and relax your
muscles, counting to five while tensing and to 30 when relaxing.
Also, visualize yourself at a peaceful place, such as a beach or
mountains.

8. Eat smarter
Limit sugary food. Fats produce the least carbon dioxide, which
we need to exhale out of our bodies. Also, limit foods that
produce gas, like carbonated beverages, and stay away from salt.
Two servings a day of protein is recommended, because it
maintains respiratory muscles. For eating habits, consider eating
four to six small meals a day and eat earlier in the day.

9. Prevent fatigue
In order to stay energized and on top of things, plan for the
entire day and pace activities. Allow ample time for what needs
to get done, alternate activity with rest, work smarter and get
help when you can. Also, sit down whenever possible. Learning
to operate on “cruise control” can help a loved one get the most
out of his or her energy.

10. Beat “cabin fever”
Reach out to people by maintaining relationships with friends
and family. Create personal, stay active and get out of the house.
Finally, family caregivers shouldn’t hesitate to talk to a doctor if
they think they may be depressed.

11. Prepare for the ER
COPD can result in frequent trips to the ER. Create a kit equipped
with medical information, insurance information, advance
directive (preferences for life-sustaining treatment), a change of
clothes and stress-relieving supplies such as water, snacks or
reading material. At the ER, support your loved one with calm
attention, provide information to the staff if needed, ask for
periodic updates, observe and take notes and get instructions.

12. Find Quality Care Now
Locate a BrightStar Near You!
Find a location in the US
Find a location in Canada