How to Breathe Easier with COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a variety of progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, and cystic fibrosis. According to the National Institutes for Health, approximately 12 million Americans are diagnosed with the disease and another 12 million are thought to be undiagnosed. Here are a few tips that may help:
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, the single most effective thing you can do to help your COPD is to stop. Most people who stop smoking feel better almost immediately. In the long term, the rate of decline in lung function slows dramatically; often adding years to people’s lives.
Exercise
Although it may seem counterintuitive for someone who suffers from shortness of breath to exert themselves physically, exercise has the following benefits:
Helps your body use oxygen more efficiently
Strengthens your heart and cardiovascular system
Improves your circulation and lower blood pressure
Helps maintain a healthy weight
Gives you more energy to stay more active
Eat Well
In addition to eating nutritiously – which includes eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains with lots of fiber – how you eat can also affect COPD. For instance, many people with COPD feel breathless after eating a large meal. So try eating smaller meals throughout the day. Finally, eating nutritiously boosts your overall wellness, making you less prone to getting sick.
Practice Prevention
Steer clear of people who are sick and get vaccinated for the flu, pneumonia and whooping cough, all of which can complicate COPD symptoms. Follow standard protocols for minimizing your exposure to germs, including washing hands regularly.
Reduce Your Stress Level
Stress can exacerbate any condition or illness, making symptoms worse. Getting enough exercise and plenty of sleep can go a long way is reducing stress.
Start a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
For those with more serious symptoms or who want a little assistance in achieving wellness, pulmonary rehabilitation may be the answer. Pulmonary rehabilitation includes breathing retraining, exercise training, nutrition counseling, medical management as well as emotional support.
