Symptoms can change for people living with breathlessness – they can become more difficult to manage. Some carers have found it helpful to know what to expect, so that they can feel more prepared.
What to expect
It is likely that patients’ symptoms will get more intense at some stage. They may need more medical appointments, hospital visits or treatments, as well as support from others for daily living.
– ‘Phil’, former carer for his mother
It isn’t possible to put a timeframe on how someone’s symptoms may change in the later stages of living with COPD. For some, symptoms may gradually get worse over a number of weeks, months or even years until the patient dies. For others, they may go through several ups and downs where their symptoms suddenly get worse (often requiring urgent medical help), then become a little better again. This can be a particularly upsetting time for these patients and their carers, particularly if the COPD has been under control for a while. For some people, these ups and downs with symptoms can become a pattern until the patient doesn’t improve, and dies. Carers can also find it difficult to adjust to times when things are much calmer, and there is less for them to do.
– ‘Lisa’, former carer for her father
Sudden changes can sometimes happen in COPD patients’ symptoms. It may be that at some point the patient is not able to say for themselves what they want to happen, so it’s important to have talked together, ahead of time, about what to do about future treatment decisions. For example, it might help to talk about whether they would like to have an Advance Directive or an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment. The Macmillan website has more information about what these are – although the Macmillan website refers to cancer, this information is relevant to COPD too.
Learn what ‘Advance decision to refuse treatment orders’ are and why it’s important that carers and patients make arrangements to have one
Common symptom changes
When caring for someone with breathlessness due to COPD, there are some general changes in symptoms to look out for as their illness progresses. This is not a complete list, and how each patient’s symptoms change will be unique to them. You will be better able to judge whether the patient’s symptoms are changing if you have a clear idea of what is a normal baseline level for them. Whenever you have any concerns or questions talk to your healthcare team – they are best placed to give you advice about the person you care for.
You might notice:
- more breathlessness
- wheezing – usually a higher pitched noisy breathing
- chest tightness
- a need to clear the lungs of mucus everyday
- a lack of energy a loss of appetite and weight loss
- more infections and flare ups. You can learn more about managing infections here.
Hear from healthcare professionals, what symptoms to expect as a patient with COPD becomes more unwell and ideas for how to manage them
What you can do to help the patient
Talk to your healthcare team (e.g. district nurse, specialist nurse or GP) if you find it difficult to manage any symptoms the patient has. They may recommend the patient has a short respite stay. Look at the Macmillan website for helpful advice on how you can manage some of the difficult symptoms patients can have towards the end of their illness at home. The Macmillan website has a range of information helpful for all kinds of long-term illnesses including COPD.
Impact on emotional health
It’s common for carers to feel drained, both physically and emotionally, as the patient’s symptoms worsen and they rely on you for even more support. You may feel you have very little time for yourself. At times like these, it is especially important to try to look after your own health and well-being even though you may feel reluctant or unsure about doing so.
What you can do to help the patient
More often than not the patient will also be struggling with difficult emotions as symptoms change. Some patients may start to withdraw from their normal daily life. Encouraging the patient to talk honestly about their feelings can help. This could be by talking with you, with other family members or friends or with a trained professional like a nurse or counsellor.
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Page last reviewed: 16/06/2020
