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Public Service, Respiratory
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
This term is used to describe lung disease where the breathing tubes become blocked and the surrounding tissue and air sacs inside the lungs become damaged. COPD includes conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma. COPD is a long term and sometimes fatal disease that can be managed and slowed down. Smoking is the main cause of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the main breathing tubes (bronchi) in the lungs, which results in the production of excess mucous (phlegm) and a reduction in the amount of airflow in and out of the lungs. In the early stages of chronic bronchitis, a cough usually occurs in the morning. As the disease progresses, coughing persists throughout the day. There is often associated shortness of breath and an increased rate of chest infections.
Emphysema is the gradual destruction of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. The alveoli are unable to completely relax. As they become larger they are not as good at transporting oxygen to the blood. Emphysema cannot be cured, but can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes.
Investigations
You may have some of the following tests before or after your clinic appointment:
- chest X-ray
- spirometry
- lung function tests
- CT chest
The specialist will decide if you need any of these tests, depending on your symptoms and examination findings.
Treatment
There are ways to manage COPD. The first and most important is to stop smoking if this applies to you. There are exercises and dietary changes that can help maintain and improve fitness. Medications include inhalers, although they are not used for everyone. If you have COPD it is a good idea to have the flu vaccination every year.
Please click on the following link for information about the Auckland DHB Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service
COPD Nurse Specialists
Available Monday to Thursday and every alternate Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm (excluding public holidays).
The COPD Nurse Specialist offers specialised assessment and education regarding COPD management, care coordination and patient self management. This may be provided in hospital as an inpatient and/or in the COPD Clinic, Respiratory Services GCC. For people with confirmed COPD (by Spirometry) you can refer to COPD Nurse Specialist clinic for advice on management. The GP will refer you to the Respiratory Department requesting an appointment in the outpatient clinic. GPs - please use the CareConnect eReferral system to do so.
The Nurse Specialist also provides case management (telehealth) across the hospital/community interface for identified "at risk" patients who would benefit from support in improving self management and coordinated care. The Nurse Specialist works closely with GPs and other community and hospital healthcare providers.
COPD Nurse Specialists
Leanne Rhodes
Ph: 021 894 781 or (09) 307 4949 extn 29121
Email: LeanneR@adhb.govt.nz
For non urgent enquiries, please leave a voicemail message on (or send a text to) 021 894 781. For urgent queries regarding COPD patient management for patients who are unwell please contact On Call Respiratory Registrar at Auckland City Hospital. Phone 021 518 205.
For more information on COPD see www.asthmanz.co.nz
