Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the name given to a group of respiratory conditions.

These include chronic bronchitis and emphysema:

  • Chronic bronchitis occurs when the tubes or airways (bronchi) which carry air through the lungs become inflamed. This inflammation narrows airways and increases mucus production, producing phlegm which makes you cough
  • Emphysema is where the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs become damaged, lungs lose their shape and stretchiness. You have to breathe harder to get oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide

Although COPD is an incurable disease, efficient self care and self management of symptoms can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

What can you do to improve your care?

Avoiding smoking

Although COPD can develop in non-smokers, smoking is one of the major causes of COPD. Tobacco contains thousands of poisonous chemicals which, when breathed in, can remain in the lung and cause damage. The tar in cigarette smoke can be particularly damaging as long term exposure can lead to narrowing and destruction of the airways, and destruction of the lungs’ protection and filter system. Stopping smoking is the best way to either prevent the development of COPD, or, if you already suffer from COPD, can prevent its progression.

Improving exercise

Much like people with asthma, exercising can be a daunting process if you have COPD. Long periods of time without exercise, however, can cause you to lose muscle, which forces them to use more oxygen and can make symptoms worse. Gradual and regular exercise can improve the condition of your lungs and improve your general wellbeing.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation services are available in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire. Pulmonary Rehabilitation will help you to understand your condition, have better control of your breathing and incorporate exercise into your daily life.

Although there is not currently one in Bracknell, Breathe Easy support groups can be found in Windsor and Frimley/Farnborough. They provide a friendly and supportive environment for people suffering from lung diseases and allow you to learn more about your disease and how to manage it.

Improving diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is an important part of caring for your body. Excess weight can add extra pressure on the lungs, forcing them to work harder. On the other hand, being underweight can cause the body to lose muscle and make muscles that help you to breathe weaker. Below are some dietary tips for people with COPD:

  • It is vital to maintain a healthy body weight by eating the correct amount of calories. A person with COPD can burn 10 times as many calories breathing as a healthy person does.
  • Eat a good source of protein at least twice a day to help maintain strong respiratory muscles. The best sources of protein are milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, and dried beans or peas.
  • Often, people with COPD take steroids. Long-term use of steroids may increase your need for calcium. Consider taking calcium supplements. Look for one that includes vitamin D. Before adding any vitamins to your daily routine, be sure to discuss with your doctor.
  • A good intake of water is important to help keep mucus thin for easier removal. A good goal for many people is 4 pints of water a day.
  • Avoid foods that cause gas or bloating. They tend to make breathing more difficult.
  • Eat 4 to 6 small meals a day. This enables your diaphragm to move freely and lets your lungs fill with air and empty out more easily.

If you are looking to lose and/or manage your weight, Slimming World offers weekly sessions to help you to lose weight and/or remain healthy and active, through group meetings and weekly weighing. A number of these groups have been set up in Bracknell.

If you meet set criteria then you may be eligible for a free referral to Slimming World. Referrals are made via Bracknell Forest GP practices, stop smoking service and children centres. This will enable you to access a free 12-week course to Slimming World if the programme criteria are met. For further information please email Public.Health@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Creating ‘COPD friendly’ environments

If you are able to familiarise yourself with certain environmental factors that make COPD worse, then it is encouraged that you are as free from these as possible. The following allergens could trigger your COPD:

  • Animal fur- keep pets with fur out of your main living area (eg. bedroom or living room), maintain a clean house in order to reduce the amount of allergens and maintain a regular grooming or bathing pattern.
  • Dust mites- keep carpets, bedding, furnishings and toys as clean as possible in order to reduce dust mites. De-humidifers dry out the air, making it difficult for dust mites to survive. They also keep the air fresh and reduce other allergens circulating your home and can help to decrease mould spores, which can affect airways.
  • Exposure to pollens or air pollution might make your COPD worse. If so, try to limit time outdoors when the levels of these substances in the outdoor air are high.

Medication

Some people with COPD may be less able to fight off infections than others. An annual flu vaccination will help to protect you against flu, which, for people with respiratory diseases is an important part of care. This can be done by a nurse at your local GP surgery.

The Community COPD Respiratory Service (Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire) is a medical support system for people with COPD by providing specialist respiratory assessment, monitoring and treatment through self care plans and regular check ups. It is also a rapid response service for people who have flare-ups of COPD.

For more information about COPD symptoms and management please visit NHS Choices or the British Lung Foundation websites.

Contact details for local services

  • Bracknell Forest Stop Smoking Support – Various local and online support groups (see health.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/stop-smoking for more information). Tel: 01344 355218 | Email: public.health@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
  • East Berkshire Ramblers’ Group – Membership and Recruitment Contact: Neil Adamson | Tel: 01753 776627 | Email: membership@eastberksramblers.org
  • Bracknell Leisure Centre – Bagshot Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 9SE | Tel: 01344 454203 | Email: customer.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme | Tel: 01635 273708 | Breathe Easy Windsor
  • Chest Clinic – King Edward VII Hospital, St Leonards Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3DP | BLF Helpline: 03000 030 555
  • Breathe Easy Frimley/Farnborough – Mayfield Medical Centre, Croyde Close, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 8UE | BLF Helpline: 03000 030 555
  • Community COPD Respiratory Service | Reading: 01189 605391 | Newbury: 01635 273703 | Wokingham: 01189 495059