The Pulmonary Press

MedGroup
Volume 1, Issue 1, August 2010

COPD Awareness Improves,  But Work Still Needs To Be Done

Awareness of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is still low, but it’s improving. That’s the take-home message from a survey conducted in 2009 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). According to the government agency, 68% of adults are now aware of COPD, up from 64% in 2008 and just 49% in 2004. Awareness among current smokers rose from 69% in 2008 to 74% in 2009.

Less than half of all adults, however — just 44% — understood that the COPD can be treated. Physicians maintained a more optimistic view, with approximately nine out of 10 primary care physicians agreeing that available treatments can optimize quality of life for their patients with COPD.

“Awareness is an important first step,” says James P. Kiley, PhD, director of the NHLBI Division of Lung Diseases. “However, awareness alone is not enough. People at risk of developing the disease need to know what the disease looks and feels like, and most importantly, to understand that it can be treated. The key is to get tested and start treatment as soon as possible.”


Cleaning Your Inhaler

To keep your inhaler working properly so that it delivers the same dose from when the inhaler is new until the canister is empty, the plastic holder should be cleaned weekly. This ensures that medicine does not build up and block the spray.

Do not try to clean the metal canister. Take the canister out of the holder; wash the holder through the top and mouthpiece with warm running water for 30 seconds. Shake off as much water from the holder as you can. Let it dry completely before you use it. Put the canister back in the holder and make sure it fits firmly.

Is There an Improved Cannula in Your future?

Inogen filed a provisional patent for new cannula technology that involves the use of special materials that are embedded within the PVC of the nasal cannula. As oxygen flows, it will change the color of the cannula which would indicate a specific flow rate. This new cannula is not yet available.

All About Inhaled Steroids

Doctors generally prescribe inhaled corticosteroids over oral (tablet or liquid) corticosteroids, because the inhaled medication is more targeted. In other words, when it’s inhaled, medication goes directly into the lungs where it’s needed. Unlike oral medicines, inhaled steroids do not have to pass through other parts of the body where they’re not needed, and as a result are less likely to cause unwanted side effects.

What are steroids? Some athletes misuse anabolic steroids to build muscle. Corticosteroids are the steroids used to treat asthma and COPD. Corticosteroids do not build muscle or enhance performance. Corticosteroids are hormones that your body naturally produces. When your doctor prescribes an inhaled corticosteroid, he is giving a very small amount of this same hormone to reduce the inflammation in the airways
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The corticosteroids that are inhaled today are considered safe. This is because the medicine breathed in through an inhaler (sometimes called a “puffer”), goes directly into the lungs where it reduces inflammation in the airways. A steroid tablet that is swallowed has more side effects because a large amount goes into the blood stream and is carried to other parts of the body. Side effects from inhaled corticosteroids are minor when the proper amount is taken. A few people get a cough, hoarseness or husky voice, sore throat or thrush (a yeast infection).

Patients can protect against these discomforts by rinsing their mouth, gargling with water and spitting out, to remove any medicine left in the mouth.

Medicare Corner

Medicare part A is hospital insurance. Medicare part B helps cover doctors’ services, outpatient care including medical equipment / supplies used in the home. Costs for part B depends on whether you have Original Medicare or are in a Medicare health plan. After the deductible is met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount of the service.

A new benefit for 2010 is Medicare coverage of a comprehensive program of pulmonary rehabilitation if you have moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and have a referral for pulmonary rehabilitation from the doctor treating your chronic respiratory disease. Medicare will also pay for up to 8 face-to-face visits in a 12-month period for Smoking Cessation if you are diagnosed with an illness caused or complicated by tobacco use. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies.

Stay on Your Feet

Want to avoid one of the most common injuries of older people – a hip fracture? Then stay on your feet. Persons who walk regularly have 3 to 6 times fewer hip fractures than those who don’t do much walking.