10 Tips for Living Better with COPD
Although living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be challenging at times, there are steps you can take to improve your quality of life. These suggestions from our COPD experts will help you make lifestyle changes to better manage your COPD. As always, if you have any questions regarding how to implement these suggestions, talk to your doctor or seek out one of our experts for more information.
Modify your breathing to help reduce shortness of breath
Practice pursed lip breathing and coordinated breathing to help move air into and out of your lungs.
Avoid getting ill
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water. Cough or sneeze into your elbow area or a tissue. Don’t touch your nose and mouth until you’ve washed your hands.
Keep your inhaler and nebulizer clean
Clean breathing equipment often and carefully, following the item’s cleaning instructions.
Get the vaccines your doctor recommends
It’s a good idea to get an influenza vaccine every fall and the vaccine series against pneumococcal pneumonia as recommended. Vaccination against COVID-19 should be up to date.
Learn how to bring up mucus
Practice deep coughing or huff coughing to help clear mucus out of your lungs so you can breathe better.
Eat to gain weight if that's your goal
Eat five to six small, well-balanced meals a day, along with a snack with the appropriate number of calories. Avoid low-calorie foods.
Eat to lose weight if that’s your goal
Eat protein, vegetables and fruit with each meal. Do not skip meals. Have a snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Avoid high fat or high sugar foods and drinks. Increase your physical activity.
Keep exercising
Regular exercise can improve your heart, lungs and muscles, and it can help you breathe easier and feel better. Try walking, doing water aerobics or riding a stationary bike.
Give up smoking
Giving up smoking and avoiding other dusts and environmental exposures like smoke from forest fires is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Ask your doctor about ways to quit and use these tips from our tobacco cessation experts.
Follow your doctor’s advice
Follow your doctor’s action plan for taking medicines, using oxygen as prescribed, getting enough sleep and rest, and watching your symptoms. Call your doctor when you have questions.
You may also be interested in...