COPD develops slowly and is usually diagnosed in middle-aged or older people. In severe cases, the disease can impair your ability to perform even basic tasks such as walking, cooking, or taking care of yourself. As a result, living with COPD can be a huge challenge and just being diagnosed with this dreaded disease can lead to a feeling of helplessness. As the disease progresses, any physical activity or social interaction can pose a huge challenge. A disease like COPD can be tough to deal with, both physically as well as emotionally. Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes that can help manage the disease better, here are a few of them for your consideration.
1. Quit Smoking/ Avoid other irritants
The first, and the most important step in slowing the progress of COPD is to quit smoking. Although lung function may improve slightly after quitting, lost lung function is never fully recovered. It is also important to avoid places where others smoke and keep away from other lung irritants such as air pollutants, chemical fumes etc.
2. Breathing exercises
Exercises such as pursed-lip breathing (a breathing technique that helps control shortness of breath) or Diaphragmatic breathing techniques, may also help improve lung function. Be sure to learn suitable breathing exercises, as well as suitable breathing positions and relaxation techniques with your doctor.
3. Exercise regularly
Because COPD, in addition to being a lung condition, is also a disease that causes wasting of the muscles and bones, physical exercises can be useful. Although it may seem difficult to do physical exercise, regular exercise can improve overall strength and also strengthen the respiratory muscles.
Going for walks regularly could gradually help increase walking distance as well as improve breathing. Yoga and tai chi could also benefit patients suffering from COPD.
4. Eat healthy
Patients suffering from COPD are most likely to be either malnourished or obese. Hence, proper nutrition is an important aspect of managing lung disease. In addition to a healthy diet, it is essential to help maintain strength.
In underweight patients, nutritional supplements may be necessary and in overweight patients, weight reduction can help significantly.
5. Clear the airways
In COPD, mucus accumulates in the air passages and is rather difficult to clear. Controlled coughing or even drinking plenty of water or fluids may help clear the airways. Using a good humidifier may also be beneficial.
Another useful technique is Chest Therapy. This involves rhythmic inhalation followed by coughing to produce sputum. Tapping the chest may also help in loosening sputum. However, chest therapy should be avoided during an acute exacerbation of COPD. As far as possible, forceful coughing should be avoided.
6. Prevent upper respiratory infections
Respiratory infections can worsen COPD symptoms. Two important vaccinations recommended to protect against respiratory infections are the Influenza vaccination and the Pneumococcal vaccine. Get vaccinated to lower your chances of catching respiratory flu or developing pneumonia.
In addition, practice good hygiene such as washing hands with soap and clean water, before eating or after venturing outside the house. Alternatively, an alcohol-based hand sanitize r may be used. Try avoiding crowded areas as far as possible or else, use a surgical mask to prevent germs from entering the lungs.
7. Avoid the cold
In patients suffering from COPD, cold weather can lead to an increase in wheezing that can be frightening. Cold air can result in broncho-spasm and shortness of breath. Hence, it would be advisable to put on a cold-air face mask or any protective gear, such as a scarf, before venturing outdoors. Also, remember to breathe through your nose instead of the mouth, since this warms and humidifies the inhaled air thus preventing shortness of breath.
8. Seek psychological support
Patients with COPD can easily slip into depression, which may affect their outlook on life. Since people with COPD may have to limit their activities and social interactions, the depression can aggravate. Psychological counseling and social support play an important role in helping people cope with daily stresses, and in maintaining their independence and social relationships.
Living with COPD can be difficult, not only for you, but for family and friends as well. You could consider joining a support group for people with COPD. There are several programs where patients and caregivers can share their experiences and information.
