In the midst of de-escalation, there are many concerns that assail us, especially those with respiratory diseases such as COPD. De-escalation means going out, re-establishing social relationships, returning to our workplace... in short, we are beginning to return to our normal life, although not everything will be as before. Let's see what de-escalation would be like with COPD.

Certain habits such as frequent hand washing, maintaining interpersonal safety distance, the use of face masks FFP2 and cleaning surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile phones frequently are four examples of new practices that we are going to have to integrate into our daily lives, with what this implies. And these are especially important for people at risk, such as patients with COPD.

During this period, as it has happened during the quarantine, it is of vital importance:

  • keep COPD under control, to do this we must not forget to take the medication as prescribed, without self-medicating and without suspending the treatment. However, pressurized cartridges must be used with a spacer and nebulizers must not be used.
  • Don't forget to do respiratory physiotherapy exercises; keeping your lungs clear of secretions helps prevent infections.
  • If you have an exacerbation, consult your doctor or go to the emergency room. If it is not treated, the consequences may be worse.
  • Continue with oxygen therapy treatment as prescribed up to now.
  • Stay active, exercise at home or outside, avoiding crowded areas and the hottest times of the day.
  • Eat a healthy diet.

Don't worry if your last check-up or medical tests have been cancelled. These appointments are gradually being rescheduled and you will soon receive a new appointment. The format may be different since digital health, that is, the application of new technologies to the health field, is beginning to be established in our health system. These new appointments may be via a phone call or a video call, but you don't have to worry since the assistance will be just as effective.

If you have questions about how to protect yourself when joining this new normal, you can contact us through the Consciousness Line, thanks to the support of Boheringer Ingelheim.

 

Bibliography

https://separ.es/node/1768
https://www.semfyc.es/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EPOC.pdf

Last updated on 17 June, 2020