Week 4

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It limits the air you can move in and out of your lungs and can worsen over time. COPD includes two conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. They often occur together, but sometimes one is more noticeable than the other.

• Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes (the part of your throat you breath through), leading to a persistent cough and production of mucus.

• Emphysema is characterized by damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, reducing the ability to exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. The lungs become less elastic, which means they don’t get rid of air effectively causing air trapping and shortness of breath. 

Together, these conditions reduce airflow and lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections.

Causes of COPD

The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and airways. Common causes include:

• Tobacco smoke: This is the leading cause, whether from active smoking or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke.

• Environmental pollutants: Exposure to dust, chemicals, and fumes in the workplace.

• Air pollution: Long-term exposure to polluted air can contribute to lung damage.

• Genetic factors: A rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can predispose individuals to COPD.

• Recurrent respiratory infections: These can worsen lung function over time.

Symptoms of COPD

Symptoms of COPD develop gradually and can vary in intensity.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity

• Chronic cough (often worse in the morning and accompanied by mucus production)

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

• Chest tightness (a feeling of constriction or discomfort in the chest)

• Frequent respiratory infections

• Fatigue due to decreased oxygenation

• Blueness of the lips or fingernails which indicates low oxygen levels

Treatment of COPD

Your treatment for COPD will be personalized by your healthcare provider based on the severity and specific symptoms you experience. 

Medical testing

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): To assess the severity of airflow limitation.

• Chest X-rays or CT scans: To visualize lung structure and identify emphysema or other complications.

• Blood tests: To check for infections or measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Medications

• Bronchodilators: To relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing.

• Inhaled corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in the airways.

• Combination inhalers: Which may include both bronchodilators and steroids.

• Oral medications: Can include medications such as phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors to reduce inflammation.

• Oxygen therapy: For advanced cases where blood oxygen levels are low.

Lifestyle changes

• Smoking cessation (the most important change if you currently smoke).

• Pulmonary rehabilitation: A medical program which includes exercise, education, breathing exercises, and support. 

• Eating a balanced diet with limited sugar (added sugar) and simple carbs like products made with white flour.

• Staying up-to-date with flu and pneumonia vaccines to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Preventing COPD from worsening

• Quit smoking

  • If you smoke, seek help to stop. You can work with a Brook Health Coach for personalized support. Stay away from smoke, dust, and other air pollutants. 

• Take your prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

• Follow your monitoring protocol and keep your doctor informed about any changes in your symptoms.

• Practice breathing exercises.

• Engage in regular physical activity as approved by your doctor.

• Eat a balanced diet: Proper nutrition can help maintain your energy and overall health.

If you need help with these lifestyle changes, Brook is here to help! Reach out in the app to get support from your Brook nurse or Health Coach. 

Monitoring your breathing

Regular monitoring of your breathing and oxygen level is important to ensure your COPD is well-managed.

• Keep a daily log of any changes in breathlessness, coughing, or mucus production.

• Use the pulse oximeter supplied to you by Brook to check your blood oxygen (SpO₂) levels daily.

• Use a peak flow meter to help you monitor your lung function at home.

• Contact your healthcare provider with sudden changes in breathing or increased fatigue.

Common questions and challenges

Why is it important to monitor my breathing and SpO2?
Monitoring your breathing helps you recognize early signs of worsening COPD. Being aware of any changes allows for quick adjustments in your treatment plan to avoid flare-ups..

I’m having more frequent flare-ups. What should I do?
Frequent flare-ups may indicate that your COPD is progressing. It’s important to consult with your doctor to review your treatment plan, check for infections, or discuss other potential adjustments to your medications.

What lifestyle changes can help manage COPD?
If you smoke, quitting is the best change you can make to help manage COPD.  Other lifestyle changes that can help include regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and practicing breathing exercises.

Next steps

1. Review your SpO2 testing protocol from your provider by going to Profile > Monitoring Protocols.

2. If you need a nudge from the Brook app to help you remember to test your SpO2 every day, go to the bottom of the Monitoring Protocols page and click the ‘click here’ text to go to the Schedules & Reminders page.

3. Start monitoring your SpO2 with the pulse oximeter you’ve received from Brook.

4. Chat with your Care Team (your Brook Registered Nurse and Health Coaches) about your trends.

5. If you need to quit smoking, work with a Health Coach to help support that goal.