Understanding COPD: finding support

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If you have COPD, you may be working with several different health care providers to manage your condition. Understanding your care team and the roles they play

can help you get the support you need to keep your COPD in check. You may be working with a pulmonologist. These are doctors who have gone to medical school

and have received specialized training in the treatment of the lungs. In addition to a pulmonologist,

you might also be working with a respiratory therapist. A respiratory therapist has completed at least an associate's degree and is trained and certified

in treating people with lung problems, like asthma. Pulmonologists and respiratory therapists also work on pulmonary rehabilitation teams,

which can also include nurses, physical therapists, exercise specialists, and dietitians. These health professionals will help

you develop a program that meets your needs. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a broad program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic breathing

problems, like COPD. Doing pulmonary rehab within the first month of being discharged from the hospital

after a COPD exacerbation may decrease your chances of being readmitted or dying. Pulmonary rehab may include an exercise program, disease

management training, smoking cessation, and nutritional and psychological support. It can help you build your strength,

reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, and make it easier to manage routine activities, work,

and outings or social activities that you enjoy. Rehab improves exercise capacity and quality of life

in all severities of COPD, but especially moderate to severe disease. Learning how to coordinate your care with your care team

and other sources of support can help you manage your COPD better. Of course, you'll find support in other areas, too.

Your friends, your family, and your community can all be great resources to draw from.