On a calm afternoon, Mr. Zhang, a retired middle school teacher, suddenly felt tightness in his chest and shortness of breath, which made his daily walk extremely difficult. At one time, he thought it was just a normal phenomenon for older people, until he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), commonly known as the old slow branch. Cases like Mr. Zhang's are not uncommonMany people ignore the early signs of this disease in their daily lives and do not realize the importance of health until the condition worsens.
Chronic disease, a disease that we may all have heard of but is often easy to ignore, can actually be effectively managed through early intervention and appropriate training. However, many people often wait until the onset of the disease and the quality of life is severely reduced. This not only increases the difficulty of **, but also brings a heavy economic and psychological burden to patients and families.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease that affects normal breathing due to inflammation of the lungs causing airway obstruction. **Varied, including factors such as long-term smoking, air pollution, occupational exposure, etc. The key to the old slow branch is "chronic" and "obstructive", meaning that it progresses gradually and is not easily reversed completely.
Symptoms include persistent cough, phlegm, and difficulty breathing, which are often overlooked in the early stagesIt is not taken seriously until the disease progresses to the point where it interferes with daily life. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate management, disease progression can be significantly slowed and quality of life can be improved.
1.Breathing technique training: Learn the correct way to breathe.
Breathing techniques, such as abdominal breathing and lip-closed breathing, are effective in improving the efficiency of gas exchange and reducing the feeling of dyspnea. Abdominal breathing helps the lungs exchange gas more efficiently by strengthening the use of abdominal muscles. The lip-closed breathing rule reduces breathlessness by slowing the breathing rate, increasing airway pressure, and preventing early airway closure.
2.Strength & Endurance Training: Strengthens muscles and improves endurance.
Strength and endurance training for muscles throughout the body can significantly improve mobility and quality of life in patients with COPD. Engage in light- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a regular basis, such as fastWalking and cycling not only enhance cardiopulmonary function, but also improve muscular endurance and reduce breathlessness during daily activities.
3.Stretching: Maintain muscle flexibility and range of motion.
Stretching helps maintain and improve muscle flexibility and reduces discomfort caused by muscle tension while maintaining range of motion in the joints. Moderate stretching can improve the body's overall comfort and range of motion, and it also has a positive effect on improving breathing patterns.
4.Balance training: Improves stability and coordination.
Balance training is especially important for older adults to reduce the risk of falls and improve stability and coordination. Lower body muscles can be strengthened through specific balance exercises, such as maintaining balance with your eyes closed while standingto improve body control, which in turn contributes to safer and more effective daily activities and training.
Development of an individualized training plan.
A successful training program needs to be tailored to an individual's health, abilities, and goals. First, work with the care team to assess the patient's specific needs, including lung function test results, ability to perform daily activities, and personal preferences. Secondly, develop a training method that includes the four types of training mentioned above (breathing techniques, strength and endurance training, and stretching)., balance training) while setting achievable short- and long-term goals, such as improving endurance for specific activities and reducing breathlessness during daily activities.
Adjustment of training frequency and intensity.
*Training should start at a low intensity and gradually increase the frequency and intensity of training. It is generally recommended to do training 3 to 5 times a week, with each session consisting of a 5-10 minute warm-up (light stretching and breathing exercises), 20-30 minutes of main training (strength, endurance and balance training), and 5-10 minutes of cool-down (stretching and relaxation exercises). The intensity of the training should be adjusted according to the individual's tolerance to avoid overexertion.
Smoking cessation and environmental stewardship.
Quitting smoking is the first step in improving health in older patients with chronic artery because smoking is a major contributor to and exacerbates disease. At the same time, avoid exposure to air pollution and occupational hazardsSuch as:Use air purifiers to reduce indoor air pollution, and wear masks to reduce inhalation of harmful substances when you go out.
Healthy eating and weight management.
A balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the burden on the respiratory system. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-fiber foods, such as whole grains and legumes, are recommended, which can help build up the body and improve lung function. At the same time, control the intake of salt and oil, avoid obesity, and reduce the burden on the heart and lungs.
Maintenance of mental health.
Patients with chronic disease may experience anxiety and depression, which can negatively affect disease management and quality of life. Appropriate psychological support and stress management, such as participation in support groups, relaxation training, and meditation exercises, are recommended, as well as seeking professional counselling if necessary, can help improve quality of life and outcomes.