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• Hope for Chronic Lung Disease Patients

Chronic lung disease is the term for a wide variety of persistent lung disorders. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis (referred to as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and restrictive lung diseases are examples of serious lung conditions that can adversely affect the quality of a patient's life.

What Causes Chronic Lung Diseases?

Some lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, are hereditary and show up early in life. A major known risk factor for emphysema is cigarette smoking. However, environmental factors such as second-hand smoke or long-term exposure to industrial pollutants can also cause COPD.There is one type of emphysema that is inherited. Other examples of environmentally caused diseases are asbestosis and coal miner's disease.

What is Restrictive Lung Disease?

Restrictive Lung Disease (chest wall diseases) can result from different problems, including interstitial fibrosis, scoliosis (spine curvature) and sarcoidosis. Some cause scarring in the lungs, while others compress the lungs. Some have no known cause; other causes include occupational exposure, chemotherapeutic agents or radiation, and connective tissue diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

How Serious a Problem is Chronic Lung Disease?

COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) affects 600,000,000 people and is a leading cause of death around the world and the leading cause of disability in the United States.While mortality from heart disease and stroke is declining, the statistics on COPD are climbing. (Over 30 million Americans are living with chronic lung disease.)

COPD is now the fourth leading cause of death, and experts predict that by 2020 it will be the third leading cause. The annual cost of treating persons with COPD alone in this country is $30.4 billion. Another 14.6 million persons have asthma, which also takes its toll on lives and productivity.

Warning Signs of Lung Disease

• Shortness of breath after little or no exertion, or that persists after brief rest following normal exercise.
• Labored breathing; difficulty in drawing air into your lungs or breathing out.
• A cough lasting more than a month, regardless of your age.
• Chronic mucus or sputum production lasting a month or more.
• Wheezing or noisy breathing due to blockage of airways of the lungs.
• Coughing up blood.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms described by the American Lung Association, discuss them with a doctor as soon as possible.

Chronic Lung Disease Affects Quality of Life

"Chronic lung disease not only affects the patient's quality of life, but the family's as well," says Lana Hilling, RCP, FAACVPR, coordinator for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs at John Muir Health. "Imagine what it's like to be short of breath all the time. These persons are no longer able to enjoy their hobbies, work, or even go shopping without feeling as if they are suffocating.When patients receive optimal medical care, which includes attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program,they are able to become active participants in their lives again."

How Can Pulmonary Rehabilitation Help?

In classes of four to six persons, the staff teaches breathing techniques, energy conservation, a graded exercise program, relaxation techniques, and panic control. A team of health care professionals reviews medications and their most effective use, and each patient's nutritional status is examined. The programs are under the supervision of two medical directors who are pulmonary specialists. In addition, a clinical pharmacist, clinical social worker, registered dietitian, registered physical therapist, exercise specialists and respiratory care practitioners are on the team. Group support is also an important component.

"It is so encouraging to me to hear our participants make comments about the great progress they are making," Hilling says. "One patient stated that he has learned to pace himself and he can now play 18 holes of golf again. Another participant said that the program has saved him from having to go to the Emergency Department many times, as he now understands his breathing problems, and how to help himself when he becomes very short of breath. Another said that she is able to play with her grandchildren again, as she is able to breathe better and has more stamina."

How Much Improvement Can Program Participants Expect?

Participants learn to reduce risk factors, pace themselves, and practice self-assessment techniques in order to recognize the signs of an infection and seek early treatment. They develop confidence and their quality of life increases. All have different goals. Some want to be able to play with grandchildren, travel, climb stairs, and attend ball games and other activities that many of us may take for granted. "It's wonderful to see our participants getting back to doing things they want to do," Hilling concludes.