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One of the most common side effects of oxygen therapy is skin irritation and nasal dryness. Here are the symptoms of getting too much oxygen: Skin Irritation and Nasal Dryness: Paper 142 /cgi/viewcontent.Oxygen therapy has very few side effects, generally speaking, supplemental oxygen is safe and effective when used correctly. Keep in mind that most of the side effects of oxygen use are rare when it is used as prescribed. (n.d.) advantage.ok.gov/CHCC/Publications/Spirometric Stages of COPD and spirometric classifications.(2015, October) /health/reiki/introduction.htm (2016, April) /health/meditation/overview.htm (2016, June) /health/massage/massageintroduction.htm (2001) /sites/completingalife/audioon/tc/adv_emerg_911_sb3.html Family issue: signs that death is near.(2005) /files/public/brochures/EOL_Caregiver_booklet.pdf (n.d.) /conditions/end-life-and-hospice-care The last year of life of COPD: A qualitative study of symptoms and services. Elkington, H., White, P., Addington-Hall, J., Higgs, R., & Pettinari, C.(2014, December 17) /about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/aromatherapy-pdq Aromatherapy and essential oils (PDQ)–patient version.You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Keep reading: Coping with end-stage COPD » Consider drafting a living will or giving power of attorney to someone you trust. To ensure that your wishes are carried out, make some legal decisions now. These are difficult choices for loved ones to make. Do you want a DNR (do not resuscitate) order? Do you wish to avoid aggressive treatment or hospitalization? Tell them what you want as far as end of life care. Make the crucial choices now so your family won’t have to later. Keep the information on hand for your family or caregivers. Your doctor’s office should be able to steer you in the right direction. It’s better to have the information at the ready than to wait until you need hospice services. They can also share information with your doctor to help things go more smoothly. They can assist with personal hygiene, tracking medications, and preparing meals. In-home help will allow you to remain in your own home. Use a rolling walker or other assistive device to keep you from falling when up and about.Įnlist caregivers or nurses. Keep items you use most often in an accessible location. Get help rearranging things so you can move about easily. Or arrange to have a hospital bed delivered to your home. If your bedroom is upstairs, move to a downstairs location. Be frank with them and allow them to do the same. End of life discussions can be difficult, but they can help you, and the people who care about you, to cope. There are a few things you can do to prepare for end-stage COPD: Learn more: Complementary and alternative treatments for COPD » Listening to soothing music or creating artwork, if you’re up to it, can also have therapeutic value. Check first so you’re not caught off guard. Some therapies may be covered under your health insurance policy. To find a qualified practitioner, ask your doctor for a referral. Regulations on complementary and alternative therapies vary from state to state. These products don’t make specific health claims and don’t need approval by the U.S. AromatherapyĪromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants as a calming agent and to improve overall well-being. There’s some evidence that it may help with relaxation, and it’s generally safe. This involves applying varying amounts of pressure to specific points on your hands or feet to promote relaxation and healing. What really matters is how it feels to you. There isn’t much research to support its effectiveness, but there’s no indication that it’s harmful, either. Reiki is intended to reduce stress, help you relax, and promote healing. Reiki is based on the idea that the practitioner can channel energy through touch. There’s some evidence to suggest that massage can help ease pain and reduce depression. There’s no down side to practicing relaxation techniques, so if it feels good, do it. Turn off your inner censor and let your thoughts flow freely. Others focus attention on an object, photo, or location. Some people choose a specific word or phrase to focus on. You can meditate with a partner, a group, or on your own.įind a spot that offers few distractions and take any position you find comfortable. Mind-body practices can relieve stress and help you relax. Only you can gauge the value of a therapy. If you’re not getting what you want or need from one coping mechanism, try something else. Everyone is different, so do what works for you. There are a variety of coping techniques that can help during this time.
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