Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It’s typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
There’s currently no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but treatment can help slow the progression of the condition and control the symptoms.
These may include:
- stopping smoking – if you have COPD and you smoke, this is the most important thing you can do
- inhalers and tablets – to help make breathing easier
- Exercise regularly, as COPD worsens exercise will become harder. Regular exercise can prolong the worsening of symptoms.
- Keep track of your symptoms daily, keep your doctor informed of changes when you attend appointments.
- pulmonary rehabilitation – a specialised programme of exercise and education
- surgery or a lung transplant – although this is only an option for a very small number of people
- A doctor will discuss the various treatment options with you.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are not improving with treatment or getting worse, or if you notice symptoms of an infection, such as fever.
MyCOPD
myCOPD is an online App from my mhealth which can help people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) take control of their condition. The Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership has purchased access to this App so that people living in the area can be registered free of charge.
myCOPD can help you to:
- Learn how to better manage your COPD
- Monitor your COPD symptoms
- Perfect your inhaler technique
- View pollution and weather forecasting
- Complete an online exercise program
- And much more!
It is easy to use and can be accessed on almost any device that connects to the internet, including smart-phones, laptops, tablets, and even smart TVs.
If you would like access to myCOPD simply click here and fill out your details on the form.
The my mhealth Digital Health Adviser will then be able to register you and you will receive an email so you can access the App.
Or for more information about the App please see the my mhealth website by clicking here.