COPD is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and some cases of chronic asthma. This umbrella term describes chronic lung diseases that are characterised by progressive obstruction of the airways and the flow of air in and out of your lungs and shortness of breath.
Although there is no cure for COPD, studies have shown that respiratory physiotherapy is extremely effective to help treat it. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy recommends physiotherapy to help reduce breathlessness and by providing ways to manage the disease. Your physiotherapist can teach you how to control your breathing and take deeper breaths, how to clear your phlegm from your chest, and ways to pace your activities and to get moving again with a personalised exercise programme.
We know as respiratory physiotherapists that COPD can be a debilitating disease, and therefore you should not be allowed to let it take over your life. You should aim to manage it and not let it control you, is this possible? Yes it certainly is with the right help and support. Evidence shows that general well being and prognosis can improve greatly with proper treatment and care.