Question

You are taking care of a patient with severe COPD. What type of diet would best suit this patient's needs?

Answer 1

Ans)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible. The more familiar terms 'chronic bronchitis' and 'emphysema' are no longer used, but are now included within the COPD diagnosis.

Diet in COPD:

Feeding guidelines:

- High fiber (20-35 grams)
- Fluids to thin mucus
- Low sodium (prevent fluid retention)
- High calcium/vitamin D (osteoporosis)
- Avoid gas/bloating inducing foods

Depending upon the patient condition, Dietary advice:

- Increased work of breathing increases caloric demands
- Proper nutrition aids in the prevention of infection
- Encourage fluids to promote adequate hydration
- Dyspnea decreased energy available for eating, so softy, high calorie foods should be encouraged & suits best for the patient's needs.