When a patient feels uncomfortable while breathing or suffer from recurrent lung infection then that disease is called Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Whenever you face difficulty in breathing that is you feel shortness of breath then it is not normal you need immediately take medical attention byvisiting a physiotherapist.

A chronic inflammation that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs is called COPD.The signs and symptoms include difficulty in breathing, excessive cough, mucus production and wheezing sound. The causes for the same are continuous and long-termexposure to irritating gases or cigarette smoke or any other strong chemical smell. Patients who are suffering from COPD are at highrisk of developing heart disease, lung cancer etc.

Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carries air to and from the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs is called Chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis sufferers have cough and mucus production.

Although COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse overa period, it is treatable. With proper management and adopting proper treatment plan recommended by physiotherapist COPD patients can achieve good symptom control and quality of life, as well as reduced risk of other associated conditions.

The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking, however, there is a small group of COPD sufferers have never smoked. Other risk factors for developing COPD includesconstant exposure smoke, air pollution in the environment, dusts and chemicals from factories, occupational exposure fumes from burning fuels, Intense silica dust exposure causes silicosis, pollution from cooking fire smoke, autoimmune diseaseetcExposure to such irritant agent causes inflammation and damage to the lungs. The incidence of COPD is increasing due to increasing smoking rates globally.

Symptoms of COPD:

Initially symptoms are not diagnosed but the disease gets worse, as you notice common symptoms like cough that doesn't go away,coughing up lots of mucus, shortness of breath, especially when you’re physically active, Wheezing  when you breathe, Tightness in the chest, Frequent colds or flu, Blue fingernails, Low energy, Losing weight without trying (in later stages),Swollen ankles, feet, or legsetc.

Risk factors of COPD are long-term exposurethings to things like dust, air pollution, or certain chemicals for long periods of time.If a COPD patient smokes,their condition worsens.

COPD diagnosis and Tests are conducted by Doctors. Your doctor will ask about your signs and symptoms, take your medical history, whether you smoke or have been exposed to chemicals, dust, or smoke at work. Physical examination and breathing test will be conducted. The most common test is called spirometry which will  measure how much air your lungs can hold  in and how fast you can blow air out of them.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes run by physiotherapist are extremely effective and useful in treating COPD. Physiotherapy offers appropriate treatments depending upon your condition and main problems. After physiotherapist diagnosis of COPD physiotherapist does thorough assessment and will help determine your main problems and provide the best treatment for the same.

Physiotherapy for COPD patients involves breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques and inhalation therapy to help clear phlegm from the airways.

Some patients have trouble sleeping or breathing at night, your physiotherapist, in conjunction with your respiratory doctor, may prescribe a breathing machine to help you. Physiotherapy may also involve assessment and management of other conditions that can result from, or occur alongside, COPD. These include musculoskeletal problems such as spinal pain, restricted chest wall, ribs or arm movement, or poor posture; osteoporosis; and urinary incontinence (common due to chronic coughing).

Your physiotherapist will educate you regarding your health condition, including how to use your COPD medication devices correctly to ensure you are getting the correct dose and cleaning the device correctly. Physiotherapist also helps patients manage the breathlessness caused by COPD.  To cope up with breathlessness can use positioning and breathing exercises, give advice on how to pace your activity.

If someone with COPD is admitted to hospital with a breathing problem, physiotherapist play a key role in helping them clear their chest, manage their lung condition and get moving again.

At Physio kare, you will feel at home and our specialist respiratory physiotherapist will help you manage the breathlessness by suggesting breathing exercises which removes the excess mucus and you return home fit and fine.