Inhaler Use
Using a device that attaches to your inhaler to help medicine reach your lungs is recommended for better delivery.
What is a spacer
This exercise involves slowly inhaling while counting to expand the chest and lungs fully.
What is deep breathing?
Breaking tasks into smaller steps and sitting while performing chores helps save this.
What is energy?
Consuming smaller, more frequent meals can prevent this symptom that makes breathing harder after eating.
What is bloating?
Doctors should review this list often to make sure older adults are only taking the medicines they really need.
What is a medication list?
This type of inhaler provides immediate relief during a sudden COPD flare-up.
What is a rescue inhaler?
This technique helps keep airways open longer by controlling exhalation through puckered lips.
What is pursed-lip breathing?
Using tools like reachers, carts, or grabbers reduces the effort needed for daily tasks and is part of this strategy.
What is activity modification?
Foods rich in this macronutrient help maintain muscle mass and support lung function.
What is protein?
This health check looks for problems with memory, thinking, and confusion in older adults.
What is a cognitive screening?
Patients are often taught to do this before inhaling medication to ensure lungs are ready
What is exhaling fully?
Placing a hand on your stomach to feel it rise while inhaling helps strengthen this type of breathing.
What is diaphragmatic breathing?
Planning tasks for times when you have the most stamina is a technique in this approach.
What is energy scheduling?
Including foods high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can help reduce this type of stress in the lungs.
What is oxidative stress?
Good communication, such as speaking slowly and clearly, helps improve this during visits with older adults.
What is understanding?
Rinsing your mouth after using a corticosteroid inhaler prevents this common side effect
What is oral thrush?
These exercises help improve the strength and endurance of muscles used for breathing.
What are respiratory muscle exercises?
Avoiding unnecessary steps, like carrying heavy loads upstairs, is an example of this principle.
What is pacing yourself?
Staying hydrated helps thin this, making it easier to clear from the lungs.
What is mucus?
This care focuses on what matters most to older adults, like their goals and preferences.
What is person-centered care?”
This action helps coordinate breathing with medication release for optimal inhaler effectiveness.
What is using a breath-actuated technique?
Gentle yoga or meditation can be used as this type of breathing practice to reduce stress and improve airflow.
What are relaxation breathing exercises?
Taking short rest breaks between tasks to prevent exhaustion is an example of this principle.
What is pacing?
Avoiding foods that are high in salt helps reduce this symptom that can worsen shortness of breath.
What is fluid retention?
Encouraging older adults to stay active with safe movement helps prevent this common risk.
What are falls?