Question

what related disease we should alert or focus when we treat a COPD patients

what can be the possible treatments and patient education

Answer 1

Chronic obstructive lung disease results the in obstruction of air passing through the airways during inspiration. This results in low amount of oxygen in the body.
Low blood oxygen results in pulmonary hypertension which causes extra load on heart and may lead to right sided heart failure. Low oxygen availability to heart in COPD also results in myocardial infarction and increases the risk of heart failure.
Treatment for heart failure includes medications such as ACE inhibitor, beta blockers, diuretics and digoxin. Surgery involves coronary bypass, angioplasty and heart valve repair and replacement.
COPD can also give rise to pneumonia due to obstruction of air passage to the lungs.
Treatment for pneumonia includes antibiotic drug therapy.
Patient with COPD should be educated to

- quit smoking

- avoid alcohol

- limit strenous activities to conserve energy

- adhere to medication schedule

- encourage timely checkups with doctor

- educate patient to report any unusual symptoms immediately to doctor