Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Pulmonary Disease
Emily Sinn
ND 568- Acute Care MNT
Marywood University- Dietetic Intern
What is COPD?
Refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to
breathe
Caused by long-term exposure to substances that irritate and damage the lungs
I.e. cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes or dust
Symptoms begin mildly and become more severe as the disease progresses
I.e. coughing with a lot of mucus, SOB, wheezing and chest tightness
Lung function tests, imaging tests and blood tests are used to diagnose
What factors interfere with food intake for patients with COPD?
Patients with COPD expend up to 10-15% more energy therefore, require more
calories during the day
Patients lose weight due to decreased dietary intake due to their inability to eat rather
than lack of appetite
Additional reasons for decreased dietary intake includes:
Dysphagia, chronic mouth breathing which can alter the taste of food, chronic
mucous production, coughing, fatigue, morning headache or confusion due to
hypercapnia, anorexia or depression
Case Study Questions Cont.
What dietary recommendations might help Mrs. Hernandez get the nutrients
that she needs during her hospitalization
Encourage high fiber foods, control her sodium intake, monitor calcium and
Vitamin D intake to promote bone health
If her appetite does not improve and she remains underweight, Mrs. Hernandez
could benefit from beginning a tube feed to ensure she gets the nutrients she needs
Diet and Nutrition for Energy with COPD. (2011, December 31). Retrieved January
14, 2018, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9451-nutritional-
guidelines-for-people-with-copd
Difference Between Emphysema & Chronic Bronchitis. (2017, July 06). Retrieved
January 14, 2018, from https://lunginstitute.com/blog/difference-between-
emphysema-and-chronic-bronchitis/
Nicholson, A. (2015, July). Staying Hydrated. Retrieved January 14, 2018, from
https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/weight-management/hydration/