Do you know if you have COPD?

(NAPSI) – A staggering number of people around the world are affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and have often debilitating symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

Despite the prevalence of COPD worldwide, the signs, symptoms and treatment options for the disease remain poorly understood. Too often, diagnosed patients and their families do not know what COPD is, how it will affect their lifestyle or the available treatment options. Some patients may even hesitate to seek care because of the social stigma associated with the illness.¹

The reality of COPD

COPD is a life-threatening disease that affects more than 251 million people worldwide. It is becoming the third leading cause of death by 2020.^2.3 In the United States alone, an estimated 12 million adults have COPD and 12 million more undiagnosed.⁴

For patients and their families, it can be difficult to understand how to manage the lifestyle changes needed to properly manage the symptoms of COPD. Modern advances such as long-term oxygen therapy systems (fixed and portable), non-invasive mechanical ventilation and drug delivery technologies have allowed patients to live longer and more actively. However, it is essential that patients adhere to their treatment programs to minimize exacerbations of COPD.

Teofilo Lee-Chiong, Head of Medical Liaison at Philips, said: "COPD often presents challenges for patients who want to participate in daily activities. Although COPD is a chronic disease, it does not need to be a debilitating disease. "

New advances in connected care technology offer patients the opportunity to help maintain their quality of life by receiving home treatment through remote monitoring. Connected care solutions also provide patients with a strong support network, enabling local healthcare teams to keep patients motivated and help them in their daily activities.

To adapt to a diagnosis of COPD

If you or a loved one has COPD, the diagnosis can be difficult. In addition to following treatment, Dr. Lee-Chiong believes that with a positive attitude and an active lifestyle, patients with COPD can control their lives.

Among Dr. Lee-Chiong's advice, he recommends:

• Have a positive mentality: It is important to have a positive view of the disease and to understand that the key to staying active is within yourself.

• Define your goals – Keep asking yourself what you want to accomplish. Start by setting short- and long-term goals.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – It is essential to maintain a healthy diet with adequate nutrition, adequate sleep and physical activity. Poor nutrition can make symptoms worse and negatively affect your ability to exercise and stay active. Although exercise may seem difficult, start by improving your strength, stamina and flexibility by breaking down tasks into smaller tasks and scheduling frequent rest periods.

• Give time – Progress can not be achieved overnight, but with exercise and healthy eating, your strength and stamina can recover and your quality of life improves.

• Know your options – Learn about the treatment options available to manage your COPD symptoms and work with your health care provider to develop a treatment plan tailored to the level of activity you want to maintain in your lifestyle.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed or has symptoms of COPD, visit www.Philips.com/COPD-Health-Awareness.

1 "Understanding the Social Consequences of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease," American Thoracic Society 2007. Retrieved from: https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/pats.200706-084SD

2Global Burden of Disease Study "World Health Organization 2016. Excerpt from: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)

Global Initiative to Combat Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease 2017. Retrieved from: http://goldcopd.org/gold-2017-global-strategy-diagnosis-management-prevention-copd

4COPD Foundation; From: https://www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/Statistics.aspx

"COPD is a life-threatening progressive disease, but there is hope," says Dr. Teofilo Lee-Chiong, head of medical liaison at Philips. http://bit.ly/2QbARoi"

On the net: North American Precis Syndicate, Inc. (NAPSI)