Daily living and health
COPD
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing hard. Common symptoms are breathlessness, a lasting cough with mucus, wheezing, and chest tightness. It is often caused by long-term exposure to smoke or other irritants. Treatment can ease symptoms, but damage to the lungs does not reverse.
Why it matters for your family
COPD can make everyday tasks, such as bathing and dressing, tiring. Flare-ups can bring sudden worse breathing and need prompt medical attention. Families can help by learning the person's action plan, keeping medicines and inhalers where the person can reach them, and avoiding smoke and strong fumes. A common mistake is waiting too long to call a doctor during a flare-up. Caregivers can allow rest between tasks and help with meals and errands. They do not give medical treatment. Ask the doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen safety at home.
Source: nhlbi.nih.gov
Read more: Dementia and chronic conditions
Related terms
- Chronic conditionA chronic condition is a health problem that lasts a year or more and needs ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities, or both.
- Congestive heart failureCongestive heart failure is a long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump or fill well enough to meet the body's needs.
- Activities of daily living (ADLs)Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the basic self-care tasks people do each day.
- Medication reminderA medication reminder is a prompt that tells a person it is time to take a medicine they already have.
- Palliative carePalliative care is specialized medical care that eases the symptoms and stress of a serious illness.
- Home health careHome health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.
