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Research and useful tips - COPD

Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage COPD

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avatar Margarita_k

Margarita_k

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16/02/2017 at 18:45

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avatar Margarita_k

Margarita_k

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Last activity on 07/10/2020 at 11:39

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1,195 comments posted | 34 in the Research and useful tips - COPD group

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Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) doesn’t mean you have to stop living your life. Here are some lifestyle changes you can take to help you manage the disease:

Your top priority: stop smoking

Smoking is the number one cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Together these diseases comprise COPD. If you haven’t already quit, it’s very important to take steps to stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation strategies.

If nicotine withdrawal is a concern, your doctor may be able to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy to help you gradually wean yourself off this addictive drug. Products include gum, inhalers, and patches. Prescription drugs to facilitate smoking cessation are also available.

People with COPD should avoid all inhaled irritants, whenever possible. This can mean avoiding air pollution, dust, or smoke from wood-burning fireplaces, for example.

Defend against infections

People with COPD are at special risk for respiratory infections, which can trigger flare-ups. Infections that affect the airways can often be avoided with good hand-washing hygiene. Cold viruses, for instance, are often passed through touch. Touching a door handle and then rubbing your eyes can transmit cold viruses.

It’s important to wash your hands often when out in public. Antibacterial products are not necessary, unless you’re in a healthcare setting. Simple soap and running water do a good job of removing potentially infectious germs. It may also be helpful to avoid contact with people who show signs of cold or flu. Your doctor may also recommend an annual flu vaccine.

Focus on good nutrition

Eating right is an important way to keep your body and your immune system strong. Sometimes, people with advanced COPD don’t get the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy. It may be helpful to eat smaller meals, more often.

Your doctor may also recommend nutritional supplements to ensure you’re getting the essential nutrients you need. Try to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains. Cut back on red meat, sugar, and processed foods. Following this dietary pattern, known as the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to help reduce chronic inflammation, while supplying plenty of fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients to help keep you healthy.

Be prepared for emergencies

Become familiar with the signs of a flare-up. Familiarize yourself with the nearest place you can go to seek treatment if breathing becomes difficult. Keep your doctor’s phone number handy and don’t hesitate to call if your symptoms worsen. Also notify your doctor or healthcare professional if you develop any new or unusual symptoms, such as fever.

Maintain a list of friends or family members that you can call on in case you need to be taken to a medical facility. Keep directions to your doctor’s office, or the nearest hospital, on hand. You should also keep a list of all medications you’re taking and give it to any healthcare provider that may need to administer emergency aid.

Tend to your emotional needs

People living with disabling diseases such as COPD occasionally succumb to anxiety, stress, or depression. Be sure to discuss any emotional issues with your doctor or healthcare provider. They may be able to prescribe medications to help you cope with anxiety or depression. They may also recommend other approaches to help you cope. This might include meditation, special breathing techniques, or joining a support group. Be open with friends and family about your state of mind and your concerns. Let them help in any way they can.

Stay active and physically fit

According to a recent article in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, “pulmonary rehabilitation” is an intervention tailored to individual patients. Among other things, it includes exercise training to improve a patient’s emotional and physical condition, and to promote “health-enhancing behaviors.” Research shows that exercise training can improve exercise tolerance and improve quality of life among people with mild to moderate COPD. It can also help provide relief from shortness of breath.

Life goes on

Although there’s no cure for COPD, newer medications and treatments have made it possible to live nearly normally. It’s important to work with your doctor and take any prescribed medications.

Source: healthline.com

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How did you adjust your everyday life to better manage your condition? Have you got any tips to share?

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avatar robjmckinney

robjmckinney

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23/02/2017 at 12:02

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avatar robjmckinney

robjmckinney

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Last activity on 12/06/2025 at 19:07

Joined in 2015


627 comments posted | 15 in the Research and useful tips - COPD group

59 of their responses were helpful to members


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Well my wife spent two weeks intensive care over Christmas, the hospital even asked me to call the family in to say goodbye as she would be dead in two hours. Thankfully she has recovered but clearly but not back to her original fitness. She has her standby meds of steroids and anti biotic but had no effect on the usual winter bug. We left it late before getting her into hospital and a few mistakes by them pushed her into intensive care.

My lesson hard learnt is not to leave it so late to get COPD patient into hospital. We have now been told never to take chances with these simple winter bugs, just get her into the hospital quick. The only bonus this time she has given up smoking. The other thing was they were trying to persuade me to switch life support off and let her go, thankfully I ignored the consultant's advice!

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robjmckinney


Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage COPD https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-copd/lifestyle-changes-to-help-manage-copd-1608 2017-02-23 12:02:42

avatar Hayli1503

Hayli1503

23/02/2017 at 20:51

avatar Hayli1503

Hayli1503

Last activity on 08/08/2021 at 09:46

Joined in 2015


7 comments posted | 4 in the Research and useful tips - COPD group


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I picked up a Virus 3 lots of Antibiotics & Steroids did no good doctot said it was a Viral/Bacterial Infection will go in time walking was near impossible but thank God I am starting to pick up after over 5 mths. Been forcing mself to walk even though a few feet had me gasping at first can walk about 2 yds if i force myself get more good days now so going to try to walk a bit more at home. Got Chest Clinic 8 March my 2nd visit as i only get 1 a year! Clinic told me to have a Nebuliser doctor refused also my Sputum ws to be tested so that i can get the right Antibiotics but doctor said it was a waste of time & money. So i feel as if i am banging my head against a brick wall so stopped going to doctors.

Tell your wife things can improve with just a little every day no matter how hard it is God Bless you both XC

 

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C Johns


Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage COPD https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-copd/lifestyle-changes-to-help-manage-copd-1608 2017-02-23 20:51:59

avatar Hayli1503

Hayli1503

24/02/2017 at 23:58

avatar Hayli1503

Hayli1503

Last activity on 08/08/2021 at 09:46

Joined in 2015


7 comments posted | 4 in the Research and useful tips - COPD group


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Had a CT Scan today had a load of b/ts my yearly ones due to Colitis & my Iron levels were rock bottom on 630 mg a day pick up a bit then they take blood for Warfarin Levels & my energy levels dropped again. Been walking as much as possible at home & when i go shopping on Town Rider twice a week as i found pushing a shopping trolley round store i do not get so breathless also when out those 2 days a week i walk from one shop to another even though it is only a few yards i am feeling the benefit so going to use my Exercise bike at home daily if possible . Last Sept I had a chest XRay & I had an awful struggle to get to the Radiology Dept. Today I could walk futher & was not gasping for air like last time! Considering I have been on the verge of needing Oxygen for years I am pleased with the progress I am making.

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C Johns


Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage COPD https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/my-library-copd/lifestyle-changes-to-help-manage-copd-1608 2017-02-24 23:58:18

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