Respiratory Disease

What is Respiratory Care?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease that makes it hard to empty air out of your lungs. This is because the airways get smaller leading to airflow obstruction. This can result in shortness of breath or tiredness because you are working harder to breathe.

Emphysema is caused by damage to the air sacs (alveoli) of the lung. If the walls of the air sacs are damaged, they lose their elasticity and trap air. This causes extra air to remain in the lungs after you breathe out. The extra effort required to breathe results in shortness of breath.

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways- the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In asthma, the airways become over-sensitive; meaning that they react to things that wouldn’t usually cause a problem, such as cold air or dust. With so little space in the airways, it becomes difficult for air to move in and out and the chest must work much harder to breathe. Tightening of the muscles around the airways can happen quickly; this is the most common cause of mild asthma symptoms.

Comfort Keepers support clients everyday with respiratory illnesses. Supports can be:

Medication Prompts

Prompting the required medication – inhalers, nebulisers, oxygen therapy, pain relief.

Housekeeping

Supporting with tasks and activities in the home – housekeeping – keep the environment free of dust.

General Support

Recognise fatigue or shortness of breath in a client and provide support in completing daily tasks.

Excercise

Supporting with exercise – as appropriate, avoiding cold damp environments.

Meal Prep

Support with providing a well balanced meal and encouraging water intake.

We will follow the individual home support plan which will outline any specific recommendations by GP or consultant.

Find out more about your care options here and to learn more head to Irish Thoracic Society.