Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease; symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms may only occur during periods of physical activity in the early stages and progressively worsen from there. There is no cure for the disease, but there are things you can do to help prevent it from getting worse. Here are some tips to help keep your lungs healthy and improve quality of life with COPD:
1. Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of COPD, so avoiding tobacco is the best way to prevent the disease. If you do smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications. Additionally, try to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke by staying away from smokers and places where smoking is allowed, such as certain bars and restaurants.
2. Protect against chemicals, dust, and fumes
Air pollution and other airborne irritants can worsen the symptoms of COPD, so limiting your exposure to them is important. You can do this by staying indoors on days when air pollution levels are high, using an air purifier in your home, and wearing a mask outdoors to protect your lungs from harmful particles in the air.
3. Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal disease
Respiratory infections, such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, can cause serious complications in people with COPD. Getting vaccinated against these infections can help prevent them from occurring in the first place; the influenza vaccine is recommended for all adults, and the pneumococcal vaccine is specifically recommended for people with COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases.
4. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help improve your overall fitness and respiratory function. It can also help reduce the symptoms of COPD. A moderate-intensity exercise program that includes aerobics, strength training, and flexibility exercises is generally recommended for people with this condition. However, it is important to check with your doctor before starting an exercise. A doctor or pulmonary rehabilitation program can help you create an exercise program that’s right for you.
5. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for people with this disease; being overweight or obese can put extra strain on your lungs and make breathing more difficult. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help reduce inflammation throughout your body, which can help reduce COPD symptoms in turn.
6. Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the mucus in your lungs and make coughing easier. This is especially important if you have a cough that produces a lot of mucus. Drinking enough fluids also helps patients prevent dehydration and avoid worsening the symptoms. Water is the best fluid to drink, but other options include clear broth, diluted fruit juice, and herbal tea.
7. Get regular medical check-ups
If you have COPD, it’s important to see your doctor regularly so that they can monitor your condition and make sure it’s not getting worse. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage your condition. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed and inform your doctor of any side effects.
8. Join a support group
There are many support groups for COPD patients available both online and in person. These groups can provide moral support and practical advice for dealing with the day-to-day challenges of COPD. They can also be a great way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
9. Oxygen therapy
If you have this condition, you may need to use oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is a treatment that delivers oxygen to your lungs through a mask or nasal cannula. Oxygen therapy can help improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of hospitalization. It’s important, however, to only use oxygen as prescribed by your doctor.
It’s important to remember that COPD is a progressive disease that worsens over time. However, there are many things you can do to slow the progression of the condition and improve your quality of life. Be sure to work with your doctor to create the right plan for you.
