Although there is no cure for COPD, symptoms can be controlled to improve a patient’s quality of life. The lung and airway damage cannot be repaired,1 but all of the symptoms of COPD can be reduced if you, as a clinician, take action. With your help, your patients can live well with COPD.
Steps for better living with COPD
- Smoking cessation
- Exercise and good nutrition
- Flu (influenza) and pneumonia vaccinations
- An understanding of COPD treatments and medicines
- Stress control
A COPD Success Story
I use the ACCP Tobacco Dependence Treatment ToolKit to develop individualized plans for my patients who smoke—whether they are ready to quit or not. People today are aware that smoking is hazardous to their health but many are unable to take the next step and do something about it. The tool kit, supported by the COPD Alliance, allows me to help this group of people and deal with their addiction.
—Lyn A. Tepper, MS, RN, CNS, APN
ACCP Member