Positive Options for Living with Copd: Self-help and Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Jacket Description/Back:"You can and will be able to make a significant difference in the quality of your life if you make the commitment to take an active role in managing your disease." -- From the book Armed with good information what can you do? Breathe easier, live longer, enjoy life more! Teri Allen, a registered respiratory therapist who has worked with COPD patients for almost 20 years, shows you how in this clearly written and wonderfully comprehensive guide. While a diagnosis of COPD (a condition that can include emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis) can feel devastating, and while symptoms can be debilitating, there is a great deal you can do to experiencemore energy less shortness of breath a fuller, happier life More than 12 million people in the U. S. are currently living with COPD--and an additional 12 million may be undiagnosed--so you are clearly not alone. What's more, as Allen points out, we all have limitations we must navigate. Still, your challenges are real, and that's why Allen created this resource. Patients at every stage of COPD can learn to work with their limitations, rather than against them, in all aspects of life--around the home, out and about, and during flare-ups. You will gain greater control over your disease and your life by learning tobreathe effectively and control coughingbest use medications, including alternative and naturopathic remediesdeal with emotional and psychological issuesidentify your personal symptom triggersexercise safely, choose optimal foods, and quit if you are a smoker Complete with tips on working with doctors, insurance companies and home-care providers, this is smart, accessible information and advice for everyone who has or cares for someone with COPD. Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 133-137) and index. Table of Contents: Preface: Reclaim Your Life -- 1. Understanding the Respiratory System -- The Respiratory System -- The Upper Airway -- The Lower Airway -- How Breathing Works -- How Breathing Is Controlled -- How the Heart and Lungs Work Together -- 2. What Is COPD? -- Chronic Bronchitis -- Emphysema -- Bronchial or Chronic Asthma -- Do I Really Have COPD? -- 3. Diagnosing COPD -- The Physical Exam -- Lung Function Testing -- 4. Medications: What They Are and How to Use Them -- Bronchodilators -- Corticosteroids -- Drug Combinations -- Expectorants -- Antibiotics -- Leukotriene Modifiers -- Benzodiazepines -- Antidepressants -- Medication Delivery -- Metered-Dose Inhalers -- Nebulizers -- Oxygen -- 5. Alternative Therapies -- Noninvasive Positive Pressure Respiratory Assist Devices -- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery -- Lung Transplantation -- Nebulized Morphine -- Naturopathic Remedies -- 6. Dealing with Your Emotions -- The Grieving Process -- Coping with Grief and Loss -- Getting Stuck -- 7. Your Flare-up Action Plan -- What Is a Flare-up? -- Identify Your Triggers -- Hand Washing -- Get Your Flu Shot -- Get a Pneumonia Shot -- More Tips to Avoid Exacerbation -- Prepare -- End-of-Life Choices -- 8. Breathing More Effectively: (Huff and Puff and Blow the House Down) -- Pursed-Lip Breathing -- Abdominal Breathing -- The Walking-Breath Exercise -- Control Your Cough -- Airway Clearance -- The Vest -- Relaxation Techniques -- How to Get Started -- 9. Exercise for Life -- Aerobic Exercise -- Flexibility -- Upper-Extremity Training -- Sample Exercises -- Yoga/Tai Chi -- Things to Avoid -- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs -- 10. Nutrition: Food Is Energy-Energy Is Life -- Choosing the Right Foods -- Steps to Good Nutritional Health -- Healthy Habits -- Supplements -- 11. Setting Your Goals for Change -- Plan Your Trip for Better Living -- Pulmonary Rehabilitation -- 12. Tips and Tricks for Daily Living -- In the Bedroom -- Bathing/Showering -- Grooming -- In the Kitchen -- Housework -- Out and About -- Home Safety -- Emergency Response Devices -- 13. Taking It on the Road: Traveling with COPD -- Where Are You Going? -- Are You Healthy Enough to Travel? -- How Will You Get There? -- Do You Have Everything You Need? -- What If You Become Sick while Traveling? -- 14. Smoking Cessation: Commit to Quit -- The Ugly Facts about Cigarettes -- Nicotine Addiction -- Preparing to Quit -- Smoking Cessation Programs -- Smoking Cessation Support Groups -- What to Expect When You Quit -- Your Plan to Quit -- What to Do If You Relapse -- What If You Cannot or Do Not Want to Quit Smoking? -- 15. Working with the Important Members of Your Health-Care Team -- The Doctor/Patient Relationship -- Health-Care Provider Responsibilities -- What If I Am Unhappy with My Care? -- Medical Insurance -- Friends, Family, and Significant Others -- Choosing a Home-Care Provider -- 16. Spirituality: Finding Your Purpose, Claiming Your Power -- Coping with COPD -- What Helps Others Get Through -- Conclusion: In a Nutshell -- Glossary -- Bibliography -- Resources -- Index.