Chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema

Many elderly people suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema. They cough and wheeze all year round, feel chest tightness, and cannot breathe. Even with their mouths open, they cannot breathe. The characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema is that the air in the lungs cannot escape. Chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema is generally caused by long-term smoking. In a small number of people, chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema is related to genetic factors, air pollution, and occupational dust.

COPD is a chronic disease and it is difficult to cure it completely. However, patients with COPD can survive with the disease and live in harmony with it. This requires patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema to pay more attention in their daily lives, not smoke, and reduce colds. Nursing measures are as follows:

1. Nursing care for the application of antimicrobial drugs: Attention should be paid to the usage, dosage, time of use, speed, and dilution method of various drugs to ensure that the drug concentration in the blood is always maintained at a sufficient level.

2. People with severe lung insufficiency and mental distress should use sedatives with caution, as they can inhibit breathing and promote the occurrence of pulmonary encephalopathy. A small amount of sedatives can be used when necessary.

3. Expect and resolve phlegm. Encourage the patient to cough, help change body position, and pat the back to facilitate expectoration.

4. Respiratory exercise: When emphysema occurs, the diaphragm descends, the range of motion weakens, and the elasticity of the lung tissue decreases, making breathing shallow and frequent. In order to improve lung function, abdominal breathing exercises can be done. Method: Stand up and place one hand on your abdomen and the other hand on your chest. When inhaling, try your best to straighten your abdomen without moving your chest. When exhaling, the abdomen sinks inward and try to exhale as much air as possible. The ratio of inhalation to exhalation time is 1:2 or 1:3. Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Exhale slowly and deeply without force. Keep your breathing rate at around 7 to 8 times per minute to reduce energy consumption. Do it twice a day, 10 to 20 minutes each time. You can also use Qigong therapy or Tai Chi exercise.

Patients with COPD must choose good weather when going out. Do not go out in foggy or hazy weather. Even if the weather is good, wait until nine or ten o'clock when the sun comes out before going out for exercise. COPD is not terrible. The quality of life can be improved through exercise and drug control.