COPD

    COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, this name includes both pulmonary emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both are health conditions in which breathing becomes more difficult.

    COPD - Fysiotherapie de Jong

    Pulmonary emphysema

    Pulmonary emphysema involves the destruction of the alveoli of the lungs. These are the parts of the lungs that provide the actual transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream and waste products out of the bloodstream. You can think of these as a kind of stretchy balloon; they can expand and contract again.

    With pulmonary emphysema, there is a loss of elasticity of these alveoli and with it a loss of transfer of oxygen and waste products. An additional disadvantage can also be that the walls of the alveoli collapse so that air can no longer escape, this is called air trapping. As a result, mucus can no longer be removed properly and pneumonia can occur more easily.

    Chronic bronchitis

    The way to the lungs is through the mouth, to the trachea through the bronchi. In chronic bronchitis, the latter are continuously inflamed. This leads to a thickening of the mucus layer and thus a narrowing of the airways. Consequently, breathing costs more energy. In healthy people, the respiratory muscles' share of total oxygen consumption does not exceed 5%. In severe COPD patients this can increase to 40%.

    Causes

    The disease is caused by long-term exposure to outside harmful substances. Smoking is the most common cause, working with chemicals or working in an environment with harmful substances can also be a possible cause.

    Characteristics COPD

    With COPD, you may suffer from:

    • Tightness
    • Cough
    • Coughing up mucus
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fatigue
    • Little muscle strength
    • Weight change
    Because you get stuffy when you walk up stairs or do chores around the house, for example, you may tend to avoid physical exertion. This can cause your fitness and muscle strength to deteriorate. Physical exercise improves your endurance, strengthens your respiratory muscles and eventually makes you less stuffy. You also tend to recover faster after a cold or flu.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Young physiotherapist doing a neck treatment to the patient in a physiotherapy room.

    Treatment

    It is possible to inhibit deterioration through proper treatment. In addition to medication, nutrition and healthy lifestyle, physical therapy plays an important role. You start with individual sessions. Depending on the degree of COPD, you then train twice a week in a group.

    Cost

    Treatment of COPD is reimbursed from basic insurance (info 2023). You may still receive a bill for the (compulsory) deductible.

    GP/specialist referral

    Treatment of COPD requires a referral. This is obtained through the general practitioner or specialist.

    Within our practice, Natascha Huls, Vincent KluitmansandEvelien Renders have specialized in the exercise program for COPD patients. You can make an appointment online using the button below or by phone.

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