COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a condition that causes airflow blockage breathing difficulty to those affected by it. Many people are diagnosed with this disease, but sadly there remains no cure for it.
If you know someone who has end-stage COPD, do not be discouraged. There are a lot of available treatments that can help control and ease the symptoms. It is important to know what kind of help is available out there to make your loved one as comfortable and healthy as possible.
What are the Treatments Available for End-Stage COPD?
Most people with end-stage COPD do not go through invasive medical procedures to prolong their life. Instead, they do everything that they can to improve their quality of life.
Palliative care focuses on reducing the symptoms. This treatment aims to increase a person’s long-term comfort. Patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less can receive hospice care from skilled caregivers and advanced practitioners.
Here are some of the treatments that can manage the symptoms:
- Bronchodilators
- Inhaled medication, such as glucocorticosteroids
- Supplemental oxygen
- Counseling
- Relaxation and Meditation Techniques
- Massage and Other Therapies
What are the Symptoms of End-Stage COPD?
Most people diagnosed with end-stage or stage 4 COPD have probably been living with the disease and have severe lung damage from it. It is hard to determine progress and life expectancy because there are many factors that affect it.
To find out if someone has end-stage COPD, their doctor will perform a spirometry. This is a lung test that shows how well the lungs are working. Here are some of the symptoms that people might experience as they go through end-stage COPD:
- Shortness of Breath
- Severe Flare-ups
- Chronic Respiratory Failure
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Struggle with Daily Living Activities
- Anxiety and Depression
- Memory Loss and Delirium
What Should Be Prepared During End-Stage COPD?
No one wants to think of someone’s transition from life, but it’s important to have a plan to provide the best for the needs of someone with end-stage COPD. And as much as possible, they should be involved in the plans regarding their care and what happens after their passing.
Here are some of the things that are needed in the care of a person with end-stage COPD:
- Advanced Care Planning. A person with end-stage COPD would have a hard time communicating in the future. As soon as you can, you must help them create a plan that provides all the treatments and accounts for their preferences.
- Legal and Financial Affairs. It is important to prepare their financial and legal documents, including their will and other after-life arrangements. Coordinate with their attorney regarding this.
- Last Wishes. It can be painful to know and hear, but you should know what they’d prefer for their passing. Let them decide on what they want people to do, what they want to wear, and so on.
Hospice Care in Atlanta: Golden Rule Hospice
Don Edwards of Golden Rule Hospice quoted “It is hard to accept it when someone you love has end-stage COPD. Even if there’s no cure for it, it is important to give them the best services and care. As much as possible, do everything to make them comfortable in this time of their life.”
Here at Golden Rule Hospice, we ensure to provide our clients with hospice care that is suitable for their needs. We want to help in increasing the quality of life of our clients. For thebest hospice care in Atlanta, call us at (470) 395-6567.
We live by the Golden Rule
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
