Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive disease. This means a person may live for years with it but never be cured. Residents with COPD have difficulty breathing, especially with getting air out of the lungs. There are two chronic lung diseases that are grouped under COPD:
chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Bronchitis is an irritation and inflammation of the lining of the bronchi. Chronic bronchitis is a form of
bronchitis that is usually caused by cigarette smoking. Symptoms include coughing that brings up
sputum (phlegm) and mucus. Breathlessness and wheezing may be present. Treatment includes
stopping smoking and possibly medications.
Emphysema is a chronic disease of the lungs that usually results from chronic bronchitis and cigarette
smoking. People with emphysema have trouble breathing. Other symptoms are coughing, breathlessness, and a rapid heartbeat. There is no cure for emphysema. Treatment includes managing symptoms and pain. Oxygen therapy may be ordered, as well as medications. Quitting smoking is very important.
Over time, a resident with either of these lung disorders becomes chronically ill and weakened. There is a high risk for acute lung infections, such as pneumonia. When the lungs and brain do not get enough
oxygen, all body systems are affected. Residents may live with a constant fear of not being able to
breathe. This can cause them to sit upright in an attempt to improve their ability to expand the lungs.
These clients can also have poor appetites and they usually do not get enough sleep. All of this can add to their feelings of weakness and poor health. They may feel they have lost control of their bodies, and particularly their breathing. They may fear suffocation.
