Coping with COPD: Making the Return to Work

When suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), returning to work may be the furthest thing from your mind. Flare ups and other symptoms may make a “normal” life seem almost impossible—but doing so for as long as possible is something you should strive for.

If you have been in the hospital or otherwise unable to work as a result of your COPD, evaluating your overall health and rate of recovery with your doctor is a step that should be taken before your journey back to the workplace. These considerations vary from patient to patient and will determine the timeline in which work can be resumed and the level of work in which you should partake.

Working as long as you are able is a strong coping-technique when suffering from COPD. Work provides a daily routine and time spent away from home can help improve your financial, emotional and physical health. However, if your job requires extensive physical activity, modifications may be required. This may involve retraining or, at worst, filing for disability.

Again, your doctor can help you decide if your job is too strenuous or could negatively affect your lung condition. Workplace environments that should be avoided by people with COPD include inhaled irritants such as gases, fumes and dust, extreme temperatures and work at higher altitudes for those with moderate to severe COPD.

Speaking with your employer is also a good idea, as they will need to be aware that at times you will require rest. This is particularly true for COPD patients with an asthmatic component, since they are more susceptible to having acute attacks while working and will need time to rest and take inhaled medications before returning to work.

By making lifestyle and activity changes, you can take an active role in treating COPD and improving your physical and emotional health. Resuming normal activities, with the go-ahead from your doctor, is a part of this. This should occur gradually, as symptoms improve, and never pushed past your comfort level. Life with COPD varies from patient to patient, and coping is no different.