Chronic obstructive pulmonary asthma: quit smoking + exercise rehabilitation

As the temperature drops suddenly, be careful of the invisible killer of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Doctors remind that COPD is easily ignored by patients and the disease is delayed because its symptoms are similar to those of asthma. In particular, about 90% of COPD patients are caused by smoking and secondhand smoke. The best way to prevent it is not to smoke, or quit smoking quickly, and check lung function regularly. In addition to regular medication, continuous exercise to help lung rehabilitation is also essential.

Dr. Lan Zhoujin (pictured) pointed out that about 90% of COPD patients are caused by smoking and secondhand smoke, and the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. (Photo courtesy of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, be careful of shortness of breath

Dr. Lan Zhoujin from the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital pointed out that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, abbreviated as COPD, is mainly caused by smoking. People who are in an air-polluted environment for a long time or have a history of tuberculosis are also at high risk. Typical symptoms include: chronic cough, excessive sputum, difficulty breathing, and even shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can cause fatal crises such as respiratory failure.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), 210 million people worldwide suffer from COPD, ranking fourth among the causes of death worldwide; and among Taiwanese people over the age of 40, one in six suffers from COPD, ranking seventh among the top 10 causes of death.

Basically, COPD patients become increasingly afraid to exercise because of coughing and wheezing, which causes their physical strength to gradually decline. In the long run, they suffer from malnutrition and weight loss, forming a vicious cycle. According to domestic clinical surveys, about 90% of COPD patients are caused by smoking and secondhand smoke, but the rate of seeking medical treatment is only 2%, which is relatively low and deserves everyone's attention.

Personalized "exercise prescription" combined with medication makes treatment of COPD patients more effective. (Photo courtesy of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital)

Dr. Lan Zhoujin emphasized that there was a 67-year-old Mr. Fang in the clinic who worked in oil management when he was young and had a long-term smoking habit. More than 10 years ago, he began to have symptoms of persistent coughing, which became increasingly severe, and he would even be out of breath after walking a few steps. Later, the doctor diagnosed him with "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". In addition to prescribing medication, the doctor also designed a "personalized exercise prescription" based on Mr. Fang's physical condition.

Personalized exercise prescription for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The thoracic medicine team of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital designed a personalized "exercise prescription" for the patient, who was required to undergo lung rehabilitation by cycling twice a week. After more than two months, not only did the patient's cardiopulmonary function improve, but his physical strength also increased significantly. Mr. Fang maintained physical rehabilitation. Now, he can walk or climb for two hours without any problem. His physical fitness has gradually returned to that of a normal person, and his cardiopulmonary function has greatly improved, giving Mr. Fang a new life.

The "Personalized Exercise Prescription" first uses an integrated exercise cardiopulmonary function test to understand each patient's maximum physical fitness and heart function, lung function, blood oxygen content, etc.; then these parameters are used to help patients plan the most appropriate amount of exercise, which is both safe and effective; at the same time, when used in combination with drugs such as bronchodilators, it can help patients achieve a better quality of life.

Currently, 90 people use exercise prescriptions every month in the outpatient department of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital and go to the hospital's exercise pulmonary function room for rehabilitation exercises twice a week for one hour each time. During the process, the technician in the examination room will monitor the heart function and blood oxygen content. The patient will be able to noticeably feel the improvement in his physical strength in about 1 to 2 months.

【Doctor's reminder】:

The change of seasons is a high season for COPD. Since the symptoms are similar to asthma, they are easily ignored by patients and the disease is delayed. Therefore, it is reminded that middle-aged and elderly people or long-term smokers should quit smoking as soon as possible and check their lung function regularly; and in addition to taking regular medication, COPD patients should also continue to exercise to help lung recovery. In addition, getting influenza or pneumococcal vaccines can reduce the chances of colds and lung infections and reduce the complications of lung-related diseases.

【】Remind you that smoking is harmful to your health!