Download LungNet News August 2003 - Lung Foundation Australia

LUNG news
AUSTRALIAN
AUGUST 2003
LungNet
THE
LIVING WELL WITH A LUNG CONDITION
FOUNDATION
World COPD Day 2003
Just a cough? … Could it be COPD?
Just out of breath?… Could it be COPD?
Could it be COPD? That’s the question that the Global Initiative
for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) suggests that
people should be asking.
Last year was the first World COPD Day and it began a year-long
campaign to raise COPD awareness worldwide. This crucial first
step laid the foundation for future efforts to increase accurate
diagnosis of COPD and improve treatment.
Picture supplied by The Prince Charles Hospital
World COPD Day in 2002 marked the first time that a single, evidenced-based patient questionnaire was used worldwide, with
people from Argentina to Yugoslavia asking themselves the
same questions to determine if they are at risk for COPD.
If you answer these questions, it will help you find out if you could have COPD.
1.
Do you cough several times most days?
Yes ___
No ___
2.
Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?
Yes ___
No ___
3.
Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?
Yes ___
No ___
4.
Are you older than 40 years?
Yes ___
No ___
5.
Are you a current smoker or an ex-smoker?
Yes ___
No ___
If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, ask your doctor if you might have COPD and should
you have a simple breathing test? Is there someone in your life who also needs to ask themselves these questions? If COPD is found early, there are steps you can take to prevent further lung damage and make you feel
better!
This year’s World COPD Day is on the 19th of November.
W h a t ’s
b e h i n d
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t h i s
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Have a
Laugh
THE LIGHTER SIDE WITH DAVID EMDUR
Hi Gang
Well, it just had to happen, I guess. I was bouncing around on my electric scooter at Bondi Junction when I ran into my first meeting with "footpath rage".
Do you have
Chronic Bronchitis
or Emphysema as a
result of smoking???
Researchers are currently trialing
a new once daily tablet to treat
your disease.
If you are aged over 40, and are
currently a regular smoker, or an
ex-smoker who has successfully
stopped smoking for at least one
year, you may be eligible to participate in this study.
Should you wish to receive more
information
about
this
trial,
please contact:
The Australian Lung Foundation
on 1800 818 545
I was headed for the footpath "off ramp" at the pedestrian crossing when a lady
with a pram containing two ferocious looking children, armed with what
appeared to be plastic suction dart guns (pointed in my direction), crossed my
path. I gave way as I would have felt a little out of place with my oxygen up my
nose, "tranny" leads in my ears and a couple of plastic suction darts stuck to my
forehead.
I allowed a metre or so clearance behind the lady to make sure I did not clip her
heels when the lights changed. Suddenly, out of nowhere, some old guy (probably a good year older than me) drove his buggy straight in between the Lady
and myself.
He was parked side on and only a few centimetres from me. No need for me to
tell you that when you are driving and somebody nearly wipes you out and then
to add insult to injury, totally ignores you, it's a little aggravating to say the least.
I could feel the tension building, my muscles were starting to swell, my body
turning green and my shirt starting to split. I was about to jump off my scooter,
pick his up and bounce it around a little, when I noticed that as I turned green,
he was tending towards a shade of red (blood pressure, I guess).
I was ready to throw a punch. Suddenly I made a last minute decision to back
off, he might just throw one back at me. Besides, he was armed with a dangerous looking walking stick mounted on his scooter.
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO KIND?
I was merrily zapping along the footpath of a busy road and approaching a
pedestrian crossing (with no intention to cross) when a thoughtful motorist
pulled up, followed by another from the opposite direction. Both motioned to
me to cross the road. What else could I do to reward the courtesy paid to me and
to avoid embarrassment as more cars started pulling up, I crossed, waited for
all the vehicles to move along, then returned to opposite side.
I realise I've been giving you a little ear bashing about this little vehicle of mine,
however it's opened so many new adventures for me, many of which (if at all
possible) would have been really hard going. I heard a comment on radio by a
person in ill health (but a great survivor), he stated that you should have a little
plan for each day when you wake. This sure helps you get you out of bed and
on the move.
Now when I wake and I see the sun shining, I'm in that buggy and away like a
crimson flash. I can't talk for all States, but in Sydney, the accessibility to all
forms of entertainment, shopping, the Harbour, even train travel, is fantastic.
Well, I'm off to give the trains a shot.
Foundation Sponsors
Cheers
David
About the LungNet News
Supporters
Publication dates 2003: May, August and October.
The LungNet National News is distributed free of charge
to all members of patient support groups affliiated with
the LungNet, and healthcare professionals.
Publisher and Editor
The Australian Lung Foundation
PO Box 847
Lutwyche Q 4030
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LungNet
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Phone
Fax
Email
1800 654 301
07 3357 6388
07 3357 6988
[email protected]
The LungNet™ is an
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AUSTRALIAN
LUNG
FOUNDATION
When you can’t breathe
nothing else matters™
The Faces of LungNet Part 1
National LungNet Coordinator
Karen Moran
New South Wales
Lissa Spencer
South Australia
Paul Cafarrela
Hello, perhaps we’ve met already.
If you call 1800 654 301 it’s quite
likely that the phone will be
answered by me. As the National
LungNet Coordinator it is also my
pleasure to edit this newsletter. My
background is in Health Promotion
and I have held various positions in
the field since 1995. In July I had the
opportunity to host the State
Lungnet Coordinators from around
the country at the Sydney Airport.
During this meeting I discovered a
little bit about them and I thought
you might like to know too.
Lissa is a Physiotherapist at Royal
Prince Alfred Hospital. Since 1990
Lissa has been working in
Pulmonary Rehabilitation and since
2001 on the NSW Priority Health
Care Project. The aim of this project
is to ensure that Pulmonary
Rehabilitation and ongoing support
is available to all respiratory
patients with particular emphasis
on COPD. "I Love being involved
with Lungnet which does such a
good job of providing ongoing education and support for patients."
Paul has been employed as a
psychologist in the Respiratory
Department
of
Adelaide's
Repatriation General Hospital since
1997, where he provides psychotherapy for a very wide range of
concerns, ranging from depression
and panic to palliative issues. Paul
is also the Manager of the Repat's
widely
respected
Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Program and is
active in respiratory research and
education concerning the psychological difficulties associated with
respiratory illnesses and the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for patients and their carers. "I am a strong supporter of
patient involvement in respiratory
groups and have been involved
with LungNet for the last six years."
The State LungNet Coordinators
are a driving force in the organisation of the Education Seminars in
their states and as the number of
groups grow throughout Australia
we hope new State Coordinators
will join the crew to spread the
LungNet message.
There are 90 groups around
Australia meeting regularly.
New South Wales has 30
support groups
South Australia has 8 support
groups
More Coordinators next edition.
Support groups have come under the LungNet umbrella since 1997 and more are joining all the time. If you don’t
have a support group in your area but would like to start one, call 1800 654 301 and talk to us about the Support
Groups Start up Kit. This kit gives you practical tips, advice and lots of information and resources to help grow
that group.
LungNet
Toll Free 1800 654 301
3
World COPD Day 2002 - continued
Some groups really got into the spirit of the day!
Reg Hunt and Lindsay Eastlake from Rosebud
Better Breathers at the information table in the
local shopping centre on World COPD Day.
LARFers from the Gold
Coast working up a sweat
on World COPD Day.
Julia Gill (creator of the wall hanging), Julie Kirk
and Cecilia Arrigoni at the John Flynn Hospital
on World COPD Day.
Oxygen
Oxygen
-
The Simple Facts
If you use oxygen therapy for long periods of time you may find that it can lead to nasal dryness and skin irritability. There are a number of products available to assist in alleviating any discomfort.
The Biflow Nasal Cup is an option for cracked or dry nostrils. A soft small cup that encircles the nose feeds the
oxygen, eliminating the need for intrusive nasal prongs. The nasal cup is available in sizes suitable for adults
and children.
The Oximizer and Oximizer Pendant can also help reduce drying of your nostrils. They create ‘pooling’ of oxygen in a reservoir from which you inhale reducing unnecessary flow into your nostrils. These options should be
discussed with your doctor as they improve efficiency of oxygen uptake and may allow for a reduced flow rate.
To combat chaffed and tender ears from oxygen tubing ‘rub’ one solution could be Eziwraps. This product consists of foam strips designed to slip onto your cannula tubing at the top of the ears, protecting and cushioning
the ears, reducing discomfort.
For further information on the above products, please ask your doctor
or contact Air Liquide Healthcare on 1300 360 202.
LungNet
4
1 Toll Free 1800 654 301
Sail On with The Australian Lung Foundation
This year to celebrate World COPD Day on the 19th of November, the
Australian Lung Foundation is partnering with gliding clubs around
Australia to increase opportunities for people to experience the sensation of Sailing On.
Last year the Sail On concept was launched with a water theme, giving many people around the country the opportunity to Sail On –
water, for the first time. This year gliding was chosen as the Sail On
experience to try and already Beaufort Gliding Club in Victoria and
Camden Gliding Club in NSW have come on board and are looking
forward to providing you with a truly memorable experience as you
Sail On – air . The next LungNet News will have more details of gliding clubs to contact for your Sail On experience.
Why use SAIL ON as a slogan?
The Sail On slogan brings to mind a picture of a mature, strong and active lifestyle. It gives a positive and
optimistic view of the future with a balanced, down to earth attitude. Those living with the condition know
just what a difference a change in attitude can make to how they feel. After all the important thing is the living not the condition, and people can make that living much more full with a Sail On attitude.
CD ROM
Lung Health Promotion Unit Photo - CD Rom device
This CD – an Australian first - is a much-needed resource for anyone who
wants to learn or to teach others to use their inhaled respiratory devices correctly.
"We hope that this new education tool will result in less problems for those with respiratory conditions and
fewer presentations to hospital", said Adrienne James, the Coordinator of the lung Health Promotion Centre.
"It also assists GP’s and health professionals with their ongoing professional development," Adrienne added.
The interactive CD can be used on any PC with a CD drive and sound card. Using verbal instructions, checklists and non-verbal demonstrations, it explains and demonstrates the use of the six inhalers currently available. The CD can be used to teach patients to competently use their devices and as it has non-verbal demonstrations, it is also effective for people from a non-English speaking background.
The device has received approval from the National Asthma Council and
Dr Michael Kidd, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, has added his approval
for the new educational tool.
The CD, which costs $69.30, is available from the Lung Health Promotion Centre at The Alfred Hospital,
Commercial Rd. Melbourne 3004 For more information, phone 03 9276 2382, email [email protected]
or log onto www.lunghealth.org.
LungNet
Toll Free 1800 654 301
5
LungNet
Lifestyles
G-Day,
My name is Kevin M Whitehouse and I was born during the depression. I grew up during WW2 and had Army experience during late 40’s and 50’s and later played top grade tennis with the golden age of tennis players. I shall not
drop any names but I was able to enjoy games with most of the players of that era. One of the most rewarding
experiences was to be on the players’ gate for the 1958 Davis Cup, it was great to see and meet all the players from
that tie. This helped later on in life as it was here that I learnt the phrase, "NEVER GIVE UP".
My working life was with the family pipe organ building business of Whitehouse
Brothers. Our old factory at 61 Musgrave Road Red Hill, Brisbane is still in use
as an art gallery. Being a pipe organ builder, I was always dealing with the production of wind, and ironically I am still doing that today, now that I have COPD!
In 1993 I was given 3 months to get my affairs in order, as I had developed a
heart condition as well and had just been through a severe bout of Ross River
Fever. But as usual I disobeyed orders and used the approach of Faith, Hope and
NEVER GIVE UP. On September 19th, my wife Val & I celebrate our 50th anniversary. It would take too long to say what a great support she has been, but support has been one of the key elements of living well with COPD. So here I am
today involved with BREATHE EZY, a Sunshine Coast support group, and what a
great mob they are!
BREATHE EZY is a thriving support group and our membership is on the increase. The more people we can reach
out to and help, the happier I become, I believe a support group is at the very core of helping people cope better
with COPD. Personally over the last 4 years, the knowledge I have gained, from the group and the presenters we
have seen, has been invaluable. I really feel that support groups are vital, and with the help received from LungNet
we can only get stronger and be able to help more people.
Lets us always look at the wider view though, this way we can reach out and help more people with COPD and
make them aware of what support groups have to offer. I love to plant seeds in peoples’ minds, and watch the tree
grow. Stir the pot, rattle the cages, knock on the doors, and things will happen. Some of the members say I coerce
them into doing things for the group, but I like to think that they have been motivated. The results have been great!
The Support groups will multiply and that in my humble opinion is what it is all about.
God Bless & Breathe Ezy
Kevin Whitehouse
World COPD Day 2002
Some groups really got into the spirit of the day!
Past and present participants of the Bairnsdale
Pulmonary Rehab Program on World COPD Day.
Thanks to Kerrie Yeates of East Gippsland
Newspapers for the photo.
6
LungNet
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Brenton Eckert, Judy Ross and Alex Green at
the PA Hospital World COPD Day actitives.
Aids, Devices and Gadgets...
Spacers
What is a spacer?
A spacer is a special device, which is tube shaped or football shaped. Puffer medications are sprayed
into this device and then inhaled through a facemask or mouthpiece. Spacers come in many shapes
and sizes. Your choice will depend on medication type, your age and ability.
Why use a spacer?
Most people have trouble coordinating the" press and breathe" technique required to use a puffer
alone ,so a spacer can be a very helpful device. You don’t have to rely on one big breath to get the
puff of medication in. You can relax and breathe normally in and out and be confident that your lungs
are receiving what they need when they need it. Using a spacer can
cut down the side effects such as mouth and throat discomfort caused
by cortico-steroids. Also research has shown that by using a spacer
you receive more medication than by using a puffer alone.
Care of your spacer
Once a month, or more often if needed, wash your spacer in warm soapy water as if you are doing the dishes. Take the spacer out of the water and drain to dry. Do not rinse or wipe dry. The thin layer of detergent left
on the spacer will help the medication go into your lungs rather then be attracted to the plastic. It will not harm
your lungs.
Both the Asthma Management Handbook and the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the Management
of COPD, suggest the use of a spacer, rather then a nebuliser for most people.
Nebulisers
What is a nebuliser?
The 'nebuliser' is actually the small plastic container (nebulsing bowl) which is filled with a medicine solution.
A clinical pump (usually electric) is then used to blow air or oxygen through this solution to make a fine mist
of medicine. This mist is breathed into the lungs through a mouthpiece or mask.
Why use a nebuliser
A nebuliser is used to deliver large doses of medication. In hospital it may be used with oxygen to help someone who is very unwell.
Care of your nebuliser
To ensure they deliver the 6-8 litres of air per minute, which is necessary for effective delivery of the medication, pumps should be:
• serviced every 6-12 months, depending on frequency of use.
• The mouthpieces should be rinsed after every use and washed in warm water, dried naturally and stored in
an airtight container.
• All nebuliser bowls are disposable and need to be replaced regularly. Bowls should also be rinsed after each
use, washed in warm water daily and allowed to dry naturally and stored in an airtight container.
• Once a week the mask, mouthpiece and bowl should be soaked in a disinfectant such as Nebuclean.
• If your nebuliser has a filter it too will need to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis.
Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, respiratory nurse or call The Lung Foundation for more information.
Mask
Mouthpiece
Nebuliser Bowl
Clinical Pump
LungNet
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Did you know ???
Economic Case Statement!
Following on from the release of the milestone, COPD Case Statement
in 2001, The Australian Lung Foundation launched the COPD Economic
Case Statement on World COPD Day in November 2002. It has been
sent to all federal Members of Parliament for their review.
Some of the facts that we hoped would grab their attention are:
As a lung transplant recipient Cathy is
finding a new lease on life. As the proud
"mother" of a litter of Maltese terriers she
is planning her return to the show ring in
a few months. When asked why a support
group is still a feature of her life cathy
Said, "I have been given so much by the
support group, and I am glad I can now
give some back.
Education Leaflets
The Australian Lung Foundation publishes
leaflets on a wide range of lung conditions,
for further information call 1800 654 301
or visit http://www.lungnet.com.au
Mission
• Estimates of the incidence of COPD in the community may be well in
excess of the 1996 estimate of 300,000. Two recent studies indicate
that the number of people in Australia with COPD is in the range of
620,000 to 2.6 million cases.
• The masking of COPD by another illness such as heart disease has
lead to incorrect diagnosis and a major underestimate of its burden on
society
• Much of the burden falls on carers who are not recognised by the
government and whose value is not factored into current "dollar" cost
estimates.
• On an average day 1,740 people visit the GP and 1000 people are in
hospital with COPD related concerns.
• As the population ages, the burden of COPD is likely to continue to
increase for some years, even while the prevalence of cigarette smoking continues to decrease
Back in September 2001 you may have
read about Cathy Davies and her Maltese
Terriers and how lung disease had crept
in and changed her life. Well Cathy has
been through another change, though it is
a very positive one!
Statement
The principal objectives of The
Australian Lung Foundation are to
assist the relief of people suffering
from lung disease and to promote
lung health in Australia by:
1. Raising funds in support of
medical research into lung
diseases.
2. Distributing research findings
and knowledge.
3. Educating patients and the
broader public on the treatment
and prevention of lung disease.
4. Fostering patient support
activities.
5. Influencing public and corporate
policy to ensure as safe living
and working environment.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is submitted from
many different sources. The views expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of the editor or The Australian Lung Foundation. Medical
information contained in this publication is intended to be used as a guide
only, and not as an authoritative statement. Please consult your general
practitioner or respiratory physician if you have further questions relating to
medical information contained in this newsletter. All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or
transmitted in any form by means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or
otherwise without written permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 2003
The Australian Lung Foudation Inc.
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