Everyday living
COPD has an impact on every area of a patient’s life. A study into the burden of COPD has found that many felt that they are restricted in achieving life goals, socialising and providing care for their family. Many felt that they are unable to maintain their lifestyle.
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COPD can make people avoid certain areas that they used to like going to such as pubs as people smoking outside makes them breathless. It can also stop them doing activities that they used to enjoy such as walking the dog. Many patients feel that they have to plan activities to avoid symptoms e.g. when doing housework they take everything they need in one go so that they are not walking back for something.
Exercise
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All COPD patient should however be encouraged to exercise at a suitable level for them so that they do not overstretch themselves. Many people become anxious when you suggest this, however, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes monitor them so that they exercise safely which sometimes eases their worries(see Pulmonary Rehabilitation page).
Travel
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Those on LTOT or with an FEV1<50% who are planning to travel by air need to be assessed in line with the British Thoracic Society recommendations which can be found at https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/document-library/clinical-information/air-travel/bts-air-travel-recommendations-2011/
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For those whose FEV1<30% predicted and/or have pulmonary hypertension a history of previous air travel tolerance along with a fitness to fly assessment would need to be undertaken. This involves enquiring if they are able to walk for 50 meters at a normal pace or climb a flight of stairs without becoming to breathless.
Driving
There is no need to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) unless they experience disabling dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness.
