November Newsletter

Understanding the Four Stages of COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is essential to grasp the four stages of COPD to better understand its progression and manage the condition effectively.

Stage 1: Mild COPD (Mild Airflow Limitation)

In the early stage, individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms or may attribute mild symptoms to aging or other factors. Lung function tests reveal a slight decrease in airflow, but the impact on daily life is minimal. Common symptoms include occasional coughing and shortness of breath during strenuous activities. Early detection and lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and regular exercise, can help slow the progression at this stage.

Stage 2: Moderate COPD (Worsening Airflow Limitation)

As COPD advances, individuals may begin to notice more pronounced symptoms. Chronic cough, increased mucus production, and shortness of breath become more evident, even during routine activities. Lung function tests show a more significant decline in airflow. Management at this stage involves a combination of medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments. Quitting smoking remains a crucial step in slowing the progression and improving overall lung health.

Stage 3: Severe COPD (Severe Airflow Limitation)

At this stage, COPD significantly affects daily life. Chronic symptoms intensify, and individuals may experience increased exacerbations, leading to hospitalizations. Shortness of breath becomes more persistent, limiting the ability to perform routine tasks. Lung function tests reveal a substantial decrease in airflow. Medical interventions, such as bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy, become more integral to managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Stage 4: Very Severe COPD (End-Stage or End-Stage Respiratory Failure)

In the final stage, COPD severely impacts daily functioning, and quality of life is significantly compromised. Constant shortness of breath is present, even at rest. Exacerbations are frequent, and hospitalizations may be more common. Lung function tests show a severe decline in airflow. Advanced treatments, including lung transplantation or long-term oxygen therapy, may be considered. End-of-life care discussions and support become essential for individuals at this stage.

Understanding the four stages of COPD is crucial for both individuals diagnosed with the condition and their caregivers. Early detection and appropriate management strategies can significantly slow the progression of COPD and improve the overall quality of life. Regular medical check-ups, adherence to prescribed treatments, and lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and exercise, play vital roles in managing COPD at every stage. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of COPD, seek medical attention promptly to receive an accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to the specific stage of the disease.

Salt therapy for COPD

Airway clearance: Inhaling salt particles may help thin mucus and improve the ability to clear it from the airways. This can be especially beneficial for COPD patients who often struggle with excess mucus production.

Reduced inflammation: Salt therapy is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce airway inflammation, potentially easing breathing difficulties and reducing exacerbations.

Improved lung function: Some people with COPD have reported improved lung function and reduced symptoms after undergoing salt therapy, including better airflow and increased oxygen saturation levels.

Enhanced relaxation: The calming and soothing atmosphere of salt therapy rooms may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be beneficial for COPD patients who often experience anxiety related to their breathing difficulties.

Non-invasive and drug-free: Salt therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option, making it suitable for individuals who prefer natural remedies or are looking to complement their standard COPD management without additional medications.

In November 2020 she picked up the Delta form of Covid 19 from a patient travelling up from Sussex to see her and though she overcame this quickly it was only several months later she noticed the residual symptoms of extreme fatigue were still with her. So, she was forced to take early retirement from consulting in the Spring of 2021 at the age of 72, recognising she was neither use nor ornament to her patients in that state.

Since then, she has trodden a diligent, persistent path using natural remedies to win back her complete recovery. She will be renting a hyperbaric oxygen chamber during January and February 2042 at her home in Bicester and while intending to use it herself to ensure her complete recovery from Long Covid she is also happy to assist those who might benefit from it too.

Her particular interest is, of course, treating others suffering from Long Covid/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME. But oxygen therapy can also be very effective for neurological conditions like MS and Parkinson’s, reducing the damage from radiotherapy after mouth cancer, various sports injuries, cellulitis, colitis, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnoea and stubborn infections.

Contraindications are severe lung conditions like COPD, Pulmonary oedema, Emphysema, chest surgery, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled diabetes, a history of seizure or uncontrolled fever, cataracts, pregnancy, current upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis or sinus problems and claustrophobia.

As the chamber will be upstairs in her house people must be able to walk upstairs unaided. Each treatment lasts an hour and typically hyperbaric oxygen is performed daily in packages of 3, 10, 20 and maximally 40 sessions. Intensive hyperbaric oxygen programmes can include 2 sessions daily with a minimum gap of 4 hours between sessions. The most effective protocol for gaining full physiological benefits is one hour five times weekly. For best outcome 40 sessions should be completed in 1 to 2 months.

If you go on the internet for prices, you’ll find they range from £80 a session to £180 (in London!) and Kitty will be charging £40 a session. If you are interested as to whether this would be suitable for you, please contact her on 01869 242557 or email. kittycampion@gmail.com or contact her through her website www.kittycampion.co.uk.