Health Education

A Breathtaking Season – By: Kassie Roussel, Director of Marketing

Bizzuka Administrator - Tuesday, December 4, 2018 | Comments (0)

COPD + WINTER

The trees are trimmed, the stockings are hung and winter is here (for now anyway). The most wonderful time of the year for many, may also be one of the hardest seasons for patients with COPD (chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder).

Patients with COPD my suffer with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath during the holidays due to the cold, dry air. Furthermore, the US National Library of Medicine reports that “individuals with COPD face increased mortality, higher rates of hospitalization and exacerbation and a worse quality of life in cold weather seasons.”

The American Lung Association recommends several cold weather precautions to patients with COPD:

  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Cover your nose and mouth when outdoors
  • Avoid exercising outdoors
  • Get your flu shots
  • Wash your hands
  • Avoid people with colds and flu

COPD Rehab

According to the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy, “There is a considerable body of evidence that exercise training strategies in patients with COPD induce significant improvement in exercise tolerance and quality of life.”

Our outpatient rehabilitation program includes therapies designed specifically to help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our therapists evaluate and treat each patient on a one-on-one basis in order to help them reach their optimal level of function.

The Benefits of Outpatient Therapy for COPD Patients:

  • Improves recovery after hospitalization for an exacerbation
  • Reduces the anxiety and depression associated with COPD
  • Improves quality of life
  • Improves strength and endurance
  • Reduces symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue
  • Decreases the risk of rehospitalization
  • Our Specialized Treatments Include:
  • Monitoring for signs and symptoms of COPD exacerbation
  • Exercise protocols specific for COPD patients
  • Supplemental O2 management
  • Myofascial release techniques
  • Energy conservation
  • Return to work strategies
  • Breathing exercises/calming techniques
  • Wellness transition/community reintegration
  • Mobilization techniques

If you have been diagnosed with COPD, COPD rehab is likely covered by your insurance. Talk to your physician about starting a program at the hospital. Once you have an order for Physical Therapy, call 225.258.5934 to schedule an appointment.

Additional Cardiopulmonary Services:

For outpatients we offer basic spirometry, basic spirometry pre and post bronchodilator and arterial blood gas testing.  For inpatients, we offer arterial blood gas testing, inhalation treatments, oxygen therapy, peak flow, chest physiotherapy, BiPAP and CPAP, smoking cessation information, MDI (metered dose inhaler) administration and education with spacer and COPD education. For more information or to contact our Cardiopulmonary Department, call 225.258.5931.

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