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Energy Conservation & Work Simplification for Lung Patients



WHY ARE ENERGY CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES IMPORTANT FOR LUNG PATIENTS?


  • Reduced lung functions limit energy expenditure needed for doing daily activities

  • Shortness of breath on doing activities further worsens on slightest activity

  • Patient’s activity tolerance progressively decreases

  • Energy conservation techniques help lung patients to use their available energy in the right manner


WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF ECT ?



WORK SIMPLIFICATION TECHNIQUES


EATING:

  • Avoid stooping forward

  • Keep your elbows supported

  • Have frequent light meals

  • Use O2, if on supplemental O2


BATHING:

  • Plan bathing at a time when you feel most when energetic

  • Use bronchodilators before bathing

  • Sit down, using a bath chair or board

  • Avoid too much water vapour

  • Take frequent breaks

  • Use a long handle sponge for scrubbing

  • Wrap yourself in a large towel after bathing


GROOMING:

  • Sit in front of the wash basin

  • Use electric razor or toothbrush to minimise arm effort


DRESSING:

  • Avoid wearing tight clothes

  • Avoid wearing clothes with zips & buttons in the back

  • Wear shoes without laces

  • Coordinate breathing with each action



SUMMARY


  • Energy conservation is very important for lung patients

  • Plan & prioritise your tasks to ensure that you do not feel fatigued

  • Always sit when possible, do not keep arms overhead for a long time

  • Keep back straight & avoid bending forwards

  • Breathe in when arms stretch out during a task, breathe out in the opposite. PLB is a must.

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