COPD is an acryonym for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is actually a group of diseases in which needed air is obstructed as it follows its path through the pulmonary system. The group of diseases comprising COPD differs by expert, but often includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, bronchiolitis and other less-common pulmonary disorders. Like patients with other maladies, COPD sufferers can find support groups around the country. Support groups usually meet on a regular schedule, whether weekly, biweekly or monthly, at a particular location.
Education
Patients who attend support groups can learn about their illness. Some groups have regular or occasional educational programs in which a physician, nurse or respiratory therapist speaks on a topic such as oxygen use, medication, nutrition or lifestyle changes. Members can also learn a great deal from other members who are going through the same circumstance they are. Patients can get helpful tips on wisely utilizing a limited amount of energy, coping with episodes of difficult breathing or eating smaller meals. Some patients may share information about which physicians take time to listen to their problems, which oxygen company has the smallest concentrators or which hospital has the best pulmonary wing.
Emotional Support
Mayo Clinic relates that patients can find emotional support at support groups. For some patients, this may be missing at home, due to living alone or with family members who are dealing with their own issues. Spending time with people who are going through a similar experience can be both uplifting and motivating. When one patient says, "I walked around my block yesterday," other patients may feel encouraged to do the same. The American Lung Association of Illinois explains that patients with COPD tend to withdraw socially, and attending a support group meeting can provide needed social interaction.
Opportunity to Help Others
Attendance at a COPD support group affords members the opportunity to help others. While they may be suffering the ramifications of decreased responsibilities at home due to their illness, they may find many ways to provide help to newer members. This feeling of being needed may allay the depression and anxiety frequently found in COPD patients. The helping of others may be in the form of education, emotional support or both.
