Golfing with COPD (Pulmonary Disease)

As if playing golf isn’t tough enough, imagine playing when you can’t breathe that well.  That’s what people with COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease must face, but that shouldn’t deter their love for the game.

COPD, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the overall term for a group of chronic lung conditions that obstruct the airways in your lungs. The two most common are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but it can also refer to damage caused by asthmatic bronchitis.  Regardless of the condition, all forms of COPD result in a blockage within the tubes and air sacs that make up your lungs.  This hinders your ability to exhale properly, trapping air in your lungs and making it difficult to breathe normally.  

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD, while long term exposure to other lung irritants, such as dust, chemical fumes, and air pollution, may also contribute to the condition.

Often times, people with pulmonary disease will need supplemental oxygen to help keep the oxygen saturation in the blood at adequate levels.  Portable units allow for freedom of movement outside the home and while working in the garden or playing golf.  These are stored in backpacks that can be worn on the back during a round of golf, for example.  

A key concern that needs to be addressed for golfers with COPD is how much oxygen they will need during their round of golf.  It’s imperative that you discuss this with your physician before getting back out on the links.  

One of the determinants is whether the need is for continuous flow of oxygen or a pulse dose of oxygen.  Pulse dose results in a cylinder of oxygen lasting longer since oxygen is being dispensed only when the individual breathes in.  The amount of oxygen dispensed, usually measured in liters/minute, for either delivery method is also a factor in determining oxygen requirements.       

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