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Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious long-term condition. Though
no treatment can undo the damage that COPD does to your lungs, symptoms can be
managed. Control your discomfort, reduce your risk of complications, and
improve your quality of life by taking some simple steps at home.
Quit Smoking
About
90 percent of people with COPD get the disease from smoking. Quitting is the
most important lifestyle change a smoker can make to ease COPD symptoms. For
example, smokers with COPD lose lung tissue at a much faster rate than
nonsmokers. When you quit
smoking, you can slow the
rate of loss. There are many resources to help you quit, including smoking
cessation programs and support groups. Ask your doctor for a list of resources
to help you kick the habit.
Stay Active
Staying
physically active is the second most important thing you can do at home to help
manage symptoms of COPD. It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when you have
a breathing condition, but according to some experts’s experience, regular exercise can
actually strengthen your respiratory muscles, improve your breathing and your
overall strength and endurance. Any activity that gets you moving can be
helpful. Try walking, gardening, golfing, or even shopping.
Eat Right
Eating
healthy foods and maintaining a proper weight can significantly help with
breathing. Some people with COPD have trouble maintaining a normal weight. You
may be underweight because difficulty breathing will cause you to burn more
calories than the average person does. Or you may be overweight because of a
nutritional imbalance or lack of exercise. A special diet isn’t necessary for
people with COPD. However, Doctors always recommend eating a
healthy variety of foods, limiting your salt intake, and eating
smaller meals more frequently, which can help you to maintain proper weight.
Control Breathing
Certain
breathing positions and relaxation techniques can help you breathe more
efficiently throughout the day. According to the American Association for
Respiratory Care (AARC), pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing may increase
your blood oxygen levels and help reduce shortness of breath. Ask your doctor
or a respiratory therapist how to practice these techniques efficiently. We also
recommend drinking plenty of fluids and using a humidifier to keep your airways
as clear of mucus.
Develop Good Medication-Taking Habits
While
your doctor is the one who decides which medications you should take, your
actions at home can ensure that your treatments are as effective as possible.
Before you leave your doctor’s office, be sure that you understand why you’re
taking the COPD medications you’ve been prescribed. Ask your
doctor to explain anything that’s unclear about how to take your medications.
If you use inhalers to help you breathe better, be sure to refill them before
they run out rather than waiting until they’re empty. If a certain medicine is
giving you problems, tell your doctor. Don’t stop taking any medication without
discussing it with your doctor first.
Protect Yourself
When
you have COPD, it’s important to avoid situations that can aggravate your
symptoms. Cold air can trigger bronchospasm, a sudden constriction in the
muscles of airway walls that leads to shortness of breath. Avoid going out in
the cold if possible, or put on a cold-air face mask before leaving the
house. Respiratory infections can cause COPD symptoms to worsen, so stay
away from crowds if possible. If you must be in a crowded area, We recommend
wearing a surgical mask .
Take Care of Emotions
The
changes in your life caused by COPD and its symptoms may cause you to
experience some difficult emotions. Grief, anger, anxiety,
and depression are
all normal responses to chronic illness. However, it’s still important to
manage them. We recommend keeping up with activities that you enjoy, staying
involved with others, and going outside for frequent walks to help you deal
with emotional difficulties. If you have trouble coping on your own, your
doctor may recommend professional counseling or another form of treatment.
Reduce Stress
Stress
can exacerbate COPD symptoms like shortness of breath, so it’s important
to manage
the level of stress in your life. You cannot avoid all stress, but you
can work on reducing the stressors you’re exposed to and make an effort to
practice being more calm and relaxed. AARC recommends taking some time each day
to unwind, both physically and mentally. You can relax by napping, listening to
soothing music, reading quietly, or doing something that you find enjoyable and
soothing.
---Written by Robin Madell
Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA
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