Health
What is the COPD Adviceline? By Barry Elliot, Senior Physiotherapist, COPD Adviceline
FREEPHONE 1800 83 21 46 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, treatable lung condition; there are an estimated 500,000 people living with COPD in Ireland, but only half are formally diagnosed. COPD is an umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is mainly due to exposure to harmful particles or gases that are inhaled, causing abnormalities to the airways and within the lungs. Tobacco smoking is the greatest cause of COPD. This means that the disease could be prevented by never smoking and/or by avoiding long term exposure to harmful fumes, dust or gases in the environment or workplace. A person living with COPD will have persistent symptoms (for example cough and phlegm) and difficulty in breathing. COPD is a chronic disease so it will never go away but there are actions you can take to manage your COPD that will give you the best possible quality of life. COPD Support Ireland work with the Asthma Society of Ireland to provide the HSE funded COPD Adviceline; a free call-back service with a respiratory specialist nurse or physiotherapist, designed to provide people living with COPD with self-management skills to improve their COPD symptoms. WHAT IS SELF MANAGEMENT? When living with COPD, there is a lot you can do to minimise your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Knowledge of good inhaler technique, exercise, diet, medication, managing flare ups and breathlessness management techniques are all part of a disease management strategy called selfmanagement. Self-management allows people with COPD to be empowered, providing them with disease specific knowledge and support. As a result, people with COPD can make lifestyle changes that improve many aspects of their life. The COPD Adviceline gives people living with COPD and their carers the knowledge to better understand and manage their day-today COPD symptoms, identify when then they are worsening and, when and how to get the right help and treatment. HOW CAN THE COPD ADVICELINE HELP? Often people call with a specific question about how to support themselves or their loved one living with COPD. This is our starting point - addressing the most pressing need. From there, we build the relationship to
support and advise across the wide range of COPD self-management strategies that can be helpful in improving life with COPD. The advice delivered is specific to each caller and is always delivered in a supportive, friendly and open way.
recent COPD Adviceline callers have said about our service:
Many callers have received a recent diagnosis. They want to discuss the implications of this and what can be done to minimise the impact of COPD on their lives. Others have had COPD for many years and need advice on how best to manage a change in their symptoms. Many people with COPD have not yet been diagnosed - these callers are sometimes becoming aware that their symptoms may mean they have COPD – we support them as they engage with their GP and other healthcare services on this diagnostic journey.
“Regular monthly advice and nurse discussions during COVID were really helpful to me since the pandemic started.”
We discuss the signs of flare up / infection, medications usage, and when a face-to-face assessment is required. We also advise on inhaler technique, development of a home exercise programme or airway clearance routine. We provide links to local COPD Support Ireland groups and resources. COPD often impacts on a person’s mental wellness and they may experience anxiety or depression. This can be discussed openly with understanding and support where needed. Callers value this prompt and easy access to a respiratory specialist healthcare professional and the individually tailored support that includes follow-up contact. This is what some
56 Senior Times | May - June 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
“If anyone is worried anxious or scared it’s good to have a reassuring voice at the end of the phone”
“It’s good to know that there is a nurse available” “Support system is amazing” “I couldn't ask for more, any staff I've dealt with … have been so helpful.” “Good to know you are there if I need you.” “Best service I have ever used! Found your service was better than my doctor! Couldn’t ask for more.” The COPD Adviceline is delivered on a freephone number and is available to anybody living with COPD, those caring for somebody with COPD and those who wish to learn more about the disease and explore potential diagnosis. If you have COPD or care for someone with COPD, you may benefit from talking to our COPD specialist nurse or physiotherapist to learn more about how to live the life you wish to live, while living with COPD.
