Friday, October 31, 2014

Lovego Weekly report--Eating & Avoiding what kind of food to a COPD patient

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Weekly report

Eating & Avoiding what kind of food to a COPD patient










Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important parts of managing COPD. A healthy diet won’t cure COPD,but it will help your body fight off infections and make you feel better.
Here we have two points for the diet:
Know what to eat
Know what to avoid



  • Know What to eat
As diagnosed with COPD, it will make you become fatigue,coz higher calorie requirements are needed.The calorie usage of the muscles involved every time you take a breath could be 10 times greater for the people with this condition.It is important to know what kind of food shall eat more and the nutriment be supplemented.
Supplementing Protein: we know Protein is an essential element in everyone's diet, but it's especially important when you have COPD. Add nonfat dry milk, protein powder, or soy protein powder to dishes like mashed potatoes, casseroles, soups, even hot cereal. The amount you need depends on your nutritional status; generally, six ounces of protein a day and two cups of milk provide an adequate amount of high- value protein.

Eat high-fiber foods:You need 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day, so choose high-fiber foods,like beans, bran, brown rice, whole-grain cereals and breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables. 
Choose heath fats food, they contains high calorie, will help to reach your calorie requirements for COPD management.They are can be found in nuts, eggs, olive oil, avocados, and fatty coldwater fish like salmon. 
Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drinking plenty of non-caffeinated fluids will help keep the mucus in your airways thin and make it easier to clear your lungs. At mealtimes, eat first and sip later. That way you won't feel full before you've had a chance to get a solid, nutritious meal.
Shakes and Smoothies:Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are essential for keeping bones healthy. That's why milkshakes and smoothies are the perfect snacks for many people with COPD. Use milk or yogurt -- choosing lower-fat products if weight control is desired -- and use fresh fruit for nutrients and fiber. Canned, fortified shakes are no-fuss drinks that are ready to be used straight out of the fridge

Starchy Vegetables:Starchy vegetables like beets, corn, carrots, and winter squash are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. And they have more calories than other vegetables. Baked squash casserole makes an excellent side dish or main course. And soup is a savory way to enjoy these richer vegetables.
Calcium. Especially important for women and those on steroid medication. Calcium builds bones and helps regulate blood pressure. You can get adequate calcium from dairy products, supplements and vegetables.
Potassium. Important for blood pressure control, muscle contraction, and nervous system function. Some medications can cause potassium depletion, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider. Potassium is found in tomatoes, bananas, apricots, potatoes, raisins and nuts.

A very important and useful tip:

Eat More Often: If you find yourself getting fatigued while you eat, or you have trouble breathing because you get too full, try eating smaller meals more often. Four to six small meals during the day, instead of three large meals, will keep you from getting overly full. It also will require less energy to eat. That means you'll be less fatigued and better able to get what you need from the food you eat. Also, relax and rest before you eat.
  • Know What to Avoid
Caffeine is not a good choice for someone with COPD. It can interfere with some medicines and may cause nervousness and restlessness, which can exacerbate your symptoms. So avoid or limit coffee, tea, and caffeinated sodas. Also, chocolate shall be limited.
Sodium can cause you to retain water, which makes it harder to breathe. So using unsalted herbs and spices to flavor food instead. It's also important to read food labels and to avoid foods that have more than 300 milligrams of sodium per serving. And Check with your dietician or health care provider before you use any salt substitute. Some of them have ingredients that may be just as bad for you as salt
Foods that cause gas or bloating can make breathing feel harder.Such as carbonated beverages, greasy fried foods, heavily spiced foods, beans, and vegetables like beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, leeks, onions, peas, peppers, and scallions. Soybeans and lentils, Fruits such as apples, avocados, and melons.But each person reacts a little differently. Keep a food diary to see which ones affect you; then steer clear of the troublemakers
Also,foods that are fried, deep-fried, or greasy can cause gas and indigestion. Heavily spiced foods can also cause discomfort and may affect your breathing. Avoid these foods when possible

Above points shall be carried out during the daily life.With a diet plan,it will be better.



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Friday, October 24, 2014

Lovego Weekly report-COPD and Spring/Summer

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Weekly report


COPD and Spring/Summer

During the Spring and Summer, both the temperature and humidity is high, the body must expend extra energy to try and cool itself down in order to maintain a normal body temperature. This extra energy requirement causes the body to demand more oxygen. For COPD patients,it will become more difficulty.

So what measures can you do during the hot days ?

The most effective way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area, If you don’t have an air conditioner, consider heading to a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.

Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking fluids keeps mucus thin, making it easier to clear your lungs and airways. Clear airways are less prone to infection. If you notice a swelling of your hands or feet, contact your physician right away

Whenever possible, try and schedule activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening

Rest frequently in a shaded area. Intermittent resting will give your body’s thermostat a chance to recover.

Pace yourself. If you are not used to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity. Do not rush.

Choose lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool.

Avoid going out on days when there is a lot of pollution or smog. A rule of thumb is that if the air has a color to it, avoid it!

Become a regular weather follower. Learn when the hottest part of the day will occur as well as the ozone rating throughout the day. Avoid going out during a heat or high pollution advisory!

Always carry your rescue inhaler (if you are prescribed one) and make sure you take all your required medications as directed.

Allergy problems shall be paid much attention to as well



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Lovego Weekly report-COPD and Autumn/Winter

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Weekly report

COPD and Autumn/Winter

Different seasons come to different climate. The seasonal changes that can affect people with COPD much. So what measures shall the patients take during the Autumn/Winter ?

In winter, the air temperature is cold. Cold air and strong winds may worsen COPD symptoms, including shortness of breath, cough and mucus/phlegm production. Frigid air can be hard to breathe and wind resistance requires more effort to move, both of which may cause fatigue. Suggest to try to breathe through the nose, covered by a scarf or mask, on cold days; this will help to warm air before it reaches the lungs

Also,the cold weather brings cold and flu season, which can be very dangerous for COPD patients and can escalate quickly into infection. Suggest washing your hands often, though it is a primary ,it is an extremely effective way to help prevent upper respiratory infections;to wash hands with soap and water after eating and after being outside the home are needed.

To reduce the risk of exacerbations, it is very important for COPD patients to stay up to date on preventive vaccinations as well, especially those for influenza and pneumococcal disease.

Additionally, COPD patients should try to avoid situations where they may come into contact with sick people, such as travel, airplanes, shopping malls, and exposure to school age children

And the Allergy problems shall be paid much attention to . when the weather gets cold, you will spend more time indoors, where a whole new set of allergens may await . Suggest that COPD patients should try to eliminate exposure to and reduce conditions that promote indoor allergens, along with hobbies or home improvements that produce may produce dust and contaminate the air with particle irritants.

During the cold winter month, air becomes much dry. It can cause serious and lengthy respiratory infections as well.So you need:.
Drink plenty of liquids — water, juices, and more water! Check with your physician to determine your optimum goal. Drinking most liquids before your evening meal should minimize interruptions during the night.

Add humidity to your air with humidifying devices. Be sure to keep your systems clean and germ-free. Cleaning your humidifier will depend upon the type of humidification system you have; be sure to check your instructions to ensure optimum working condition. 

For other tips,like keeping nose clean,keep active and make a plan to go out with your doctor ect shall remind too.




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Tel:86-0755-23733851
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Saturday, October 18, 2014

Lovego Weekly report-Recommendation: Blogs and Websites for COPD

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Your Second Doctor

Weekly report


Recommendation: Blogs and Websites for COPD


When diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the doctor is the first and best resource for addressing the concerns about COPD, you can also connect with others who have COPD or do some digging around on your own.
To help you get a handle on the wealth of COPD information on the Web, we’ve compiled some of the best blogs and websites.

 
Name

   Suitable group

   Why is worth of recommending

American Lung Association

   Anyone looking for general information on COPD
American Lung Association is about more than just fighting lung cancer. It's a trustworthy source that offers COPD information that's thorough, easy to read, and simple to navigate.

American College of Physicians COPD Portal

   People seeking resources for all stages of COPD
The site offers straightforward information on COPD diagnosis and prevention, disease management, and dealing with complications.


COPD International
People who want to learn more about the disease and connect with others who have COPD The website, created by COPD International, was started in 2002 by a group of COPD patients. It has information on the disease for all ages as well as a chat room and message boards.


National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

 

People looking for the basics about COPD
This website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a wide range of information and resources, including signs and symptoms and tips for living with COPD. The institute also publishes a monthly newsletter about COPD awareness campaigns and developments in understanding and treating the disease.

COPD News of the Day

   
Newshounds
Created in 2008, the site features news geared toward people with COPD, along with an archive dating back to its inception. It also has a COPD survivors' blog.


Medline Plus

 
Everyone
An A-to-Z reference for anyone who wants to learn more about COPD. The site covers the basics and links to other sites that offer information on clinical trials, coping, and a glossary of COPD terms


Breathing Better, Living Well

 
People looking for a community and a voice
The site offers positive, upbeat information on dealing with COPD, compliments of respiratory therapist Jane Martin. Martin provides useful information as well as a link to her blog and those of others who live with the disease.


COPD

 People dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression associated with COPD
Vijai Sharma, PhD, a clinical psychologist who was diagnosed with emphysema in 1994, created the site to offer general resources and help patients learn to deal with the emotional issues surrounding COPD.

COPD Foundation Blog

Anyone who wants to be part of the COPD conversation

Entries explore topics in the news, research, and treatment of COPD.


The COPD Bloggers

    

Those looking for experiences of COPD patients of various ages

The COPD Bloggers is the UK-based home of nine bloggers who describe their reactions to having COPD



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Friday, October 10, 2014

Lovego Weekly report-Assessment of COPD

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Your Second Doctor


Weekly report

Assessment of COPD

We had introduced the FEV1(GOLD) and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) in last weekly report.Now let’s discuss the Assessment of COPD
As we know,the severity of the airflow obstruction can be assessed is by looking at the level of the FEV1.Just as we discussed before. The amount of airway narrowing can be classified as follows(FEV/FVC< 70 %):

GOLD 1: Mild FEV1 > 80% predicted

GOLD 2: Moderate 50% < FEV1 < 80% predicted
GOLD 3: Severe 30% < FEV1 < 50% predicted
GOLD 4: Very Severe FEV1 < 30% predicted

And It is a common sense that COPD does not just affect the lungs but also can affect us in other ways. For example, patients with more severe disease can lose muscle mass and lose weight, and may also develop anxiety or depression. 
A number of factors determine how severe your COPD is, one is the level of airflow obstruction (FEV1). The other important factors to consider include the number of exacerbations (flare ups) and the level of breathlessness. This can usually be graded using the MRC (medical research council dyspnoea (breathless) scale which is recommended for the assessment of disability of COPD depending on the amount of exertion that it takes to make you breathless: 

MRC score 1-short of breath on strenuous exertion
MRC Score 2-short of breath on hurrying on a level surface or walking up a slight hill
MRC Score 3-walking slower than people of the same age on the level, or stops for breath while walking at own pace on the level 
MRC Score 4- stops for breath after walking about 100 yards
MRC Score 5- too short of breath to leave the house or short of breath when dressing or undressing

So,to the New Assessment Model – ABCD
Four steps to go ahead
1. Assess symptoms,(using CAT and MRC to assess )
        2.Assess degree of airflow limitation using spirometry [Gold(FEV1)]             3.Assess risk of exacerbations(use history of exacerbations and spirometry:                  Two or more exacerbations within the last year or an FEV1 < 50 % of predicted value are indicators             of high risk)
           4.Assess comorbidities





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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Lovego Weekly report-COPD Assessment Test (CAT)

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Weekly report

COPD Assessment Test (CAT)


The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a validated eight-item questionnaire designed to assess and quantify the impact of COPD symptoms on patient health status.
It has excellent measurement properties (10) and is short and simple for patients to complete, providing a score out of 40 to indicate disease impact, without the need for complex calculation.
Initial studies have shown that the CAT correlates closely with health-related quality of life as measured by the St.George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) when patients are stable (10), and it is responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation (11)
.
Type of questionnaire-description
Patient-completed questionnaire assessing globally the impact of COPD (cough, sputum, dysnea, chest tighteness) on health status
Number of items
8 (one question assessing impact on sleep)


  • I never cough----------------------------------------- ------I cough all the time
  • I have no phlegm(mucus) in my chest at all ------------------My chest is completely full of phlegm(mucus)
  • My chest doesn’t feel tight at all-----------------------------My chest feels very tight
  • When I walk up a hill or one flight of stairs I am not breathless--- When I walk up a hill or one flight of stairs I am very breathless
  • I am not limited doing any activities at home----------------- I am very limited doing any activities at home-
  • I am confident leaving my home despite my lung condition--- I am not at all confident leaving my home because of my lung condition
  • I sleep soundly-----------------------------------------------I don’t sleep soundly because of my lung condition
  • I have lots of energy------------------------------------------I have no energy at all
Number of domains & categories
Unidimensional
Scaling of items
1 to 5
Scoring Range of CAT scores from 0–40.
Higher scores denote a more severe impact of COPD on a patient’s life. The difference between stable and exacerbation patients was five units. No target score represents the best achievable outcome. 
Mild 0-10
Moderate 10-15
Severe 15-25
Very Severe 25-40



Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Dis¬ease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT). Reprinted by permission from GlaxoSmithKline.



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Tel:86-0755-23733851
Add: Building B, LC Hi-tech Park, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China