EMPHYSEMA
PROBLEM
Emphysema is a chronic lung disease and incurable. Emphysema can only be managed; the goal of treatment is to improve the activities of daily living and the quality of life by preventing symptoms and by preserving optimal lung function.
CAUSE
Patient Teaching Guide Nicotine Dependence.
PREVENTION
Emphysema cannot be prevented once lung changes have taken place.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Stop smoking—it causes more lung irritation, mucus/sputum production, and coughing. It is never too late to quit smoking.
B.Get a flu shot every year.
C.There are two types of pneumonia vaccinations to reduce your risk for pneumonia.
D.One of the pneumonia shots can be given at the same time as the flu shot.
E.If you are prescribed theophylline to help control your respiratory systems, your blood level needs to be monitored.
F.Eliminate other lung irritants, such as wood smoke, secondhand smoke, hair spray, paint, bleach, and other chemicals found at home. Avoid sweeping and dusting, and stay indoors when air pollution or pollen counts are high.
G.Pulmonary rehabilitation may be ordered. Exercising is a very important component of pulmonary rehabilitation, as well as learning breathing techniques.
H.Report respiratory infections to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
I.Use postural drainage: Lean over the side of the bed, rest your elbows on a pillow placed on the floor, and cough as someone gently pounds on your back.
J.Stay indoors during extremely hot or cold weather. If you must be outside in the cold, cover your nose and face. Use an air conditioner in hot weather.
K.Avoid people who have respiratory illnesses; also avoid crowds and poorly ventilated areas.
L.Oxygen therapy may be ordered if you have trouble breathing.
M.Use community resources such as Meals on Wheels, a handicap parking tag, or parking stickers.
N.You may be asked to talk to a social worker.
Activity:
A.Pace yourself to avoid shortness of breath.
B.Follow a daily exercise plan. Start with 3 to 4 times a day, each lasting 5 to 15 minutes. Start at half-speed and build up.
C.Sexual dysfunction can occur because of lack of physical energy and trouble breathing. Find other ways to show affection, such as kissing, hugging, or massage.
Diet:
A.If you do not have congestive heart failure, drink 3 liters of fluid a day—equal to one-and-a-half large soda bottles.
B.Avoid dairy products; they increase mucus/sputum production.
C.Eat five to six small meals a day. Big meals feel like pressure on your stomach and lungs.
D.Avoid foods that cause gas and stomach discomfort.
E.Use oxygen during meals, if necessary; take your time eating, rest between bites, and avoid hard-to-chew foods because eating may tire you. Rest before and after eating if you have shortness of breath.
F.Eat a high-protein diet with a good balance of vitamins and minerals.
G.Avoid excessively hot or cold foods and drinks that may start an irritating cough.
Medications:
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
Use of a spacer/chamber device improves aerosol delivery to your lungs and reduces side effects. You should also be given the Patient Teaching Guide How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler.
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.You have trouble breathing.
B.You develop an infection (signs are fever, change in sputum, sinus drainage).
C.Your inhaler does not help your symptoms.
D.Your symptoms do not improve within 48 hours of starting medication.
E.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
You should have a follow-up appointment in 3 months unless you are worsening.
If you are prescribed theophylline, your blood level needs to be monitored whenever you have a new illness, worsening chronic illness, or a change in medications that may alter theophylline clearance (e.g., fever >102ºF sustained for ≥24 hours, hepatitis). Call 911 and get emergency medical help for severe headache, high blood sugars, severe vomiting, irregular heartbeats, seizures, or confusion.
RESOURCE
A Patient’s Guide to Aerosol Drug Delivery is available at http://www.copd-alert.com/AerosolDrug.pdf
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE