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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is broadly defined as a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. According to the American Lung Association (2003) 10.7 million U. S. adults were estimated to have COPD which includes chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. The primary causes of COPD are:
- Smoking (in 80-90% of cases)
- Frequent lung infections
- Exposure to certain industrial pollutants
Managing COPD effectively can reduce symptoms and improve patient's quality of life.
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Decline in daily living activitie
- Insomnia
- Depression
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- Learn more about your lung condition
- Understand your medication regimen, its purpose, and the potential side effects
- Discuss smoking cessation techniques
- Learn about your nutritional and hydration requirements
- Conserve your energy
- Find ways to better manage stress in your life
- Adopt lifestyle changes to promote good general health
- Be better prepared for a COPD emergency by knowing the signs and symptoms you should promptly report to your physician
- Decrease in emergency room visits and re-hospitalizations through patient education
- Improvement in the patient's self management of COPD
- Reduction in the cost of patient care
- Development of best clinical practices through CareSouth's COPD Patient Education Guide
- Promotion of independence and a higher level of function
- Management of physician's individualized plan of care
- Education for the patient and caregiver about COPD and ways to safely and effectively manage their disease
- Medication management for patients on a complicated or multiple drug regimen
- Reduction in the severity and frequency of re-hospitalizations.
- COPD management booklet for physician reference on follow up appointments
- Improved patient outcomes
For more information or to make a referral please contact:
Augusta Office
One Tenth Street, Suite 500
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Tel: 706-854-7500
Fax: 706-854-7550 |
