Patient Education Center

Lifestyle Tips for Managing COPD

• Apr 26, 2022, 9:11 AM

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. They include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The most common reason that someone will get COPD is from smoking tobacco. The best way to prevent COPD is to not smoke. Living with COPD can be challenging, but there are many lifestyle and treatment strategies to enhance your quality of life and manage your condition.

COPD Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of COPD include increasing shortness of breath with simple activity, a chronic cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Other symptoms include fatigue or lack of energy, leg swelling, frequent upper respiratory infections and producing a lot of mucus or phlegm. If you have these symptoms it is important that you see your doctor for an evaluation and proper diagnosis.

People with COPD can experience episodes called exacerbations. During this time symptoms can become worse than usual and last for several days.

COPD Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause of COPD is tobacco smoking. Other causes include occupation-related exposures such as fumes, dust or smoke. People who smoke cigars, pipes and are exposed to second-hand smoke are also at risk. In a small percentage of people with COPD, there is a genetic disorder that causes low levels of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin which helps to protect the lungs.

Lifestyle Tips to Help Manage COPD

Stop smoking. The most important step in any treatment plan for COPD is to stop all forms of smoking, including electronic cigarettes. Avoid secondhand smoke and air pollution whenever possible. You can talk to your doctor about recommendations to assist with smoking cessation.

Medications. Your doctor will recommend specific medications, inhalers and additional therapies based on your individual needs.

Air quality. Keep the air as clean as possible in your home and consider a high-quality air filter. Avoid chemicals as much as possible including cleaning supplies, perfumes, etc.

Reduce germ risk. Respiratory infections can cause COPD symptoms to worsen so it is important to avoid large crowds during cold and flu season. Avoid close contact with people that you know are sick and practice good hand washing.

Nutrition. A healthy diet is very important. Be sure to include adequate protein to help maintain strong respiratory muscles and focus on whole, plant-based foods. Ensure you have plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables that offer a variety of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Include plenty of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid foods such as fish, flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts. Limit simple carbohydrates including processed foods and sugar. It is best to eat small frequent meals and monitor your salt intake. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Exercise. Regular exercise is a part of a healthy lifestyle, even for those with COPD. Include stretching, walking and resistance training exercises. Gentle graded exercise and deep breathing exercises are very important to improve your stamina and lung capacity. Pick exercises that you enjoy and modify them as needed. Sometimes that means it might be just chair-based exercises. Be sure to ask your doctor before you start or change an exercise program.

Stress Management. It is important to manage your stress. As with all health issues, stress can make COPD symptoms worse. It is important to have a positive mindset. Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Be sure to get enough rest and sleep. Seek out social support and make time for hobbies, interests and relaxation. Deep breathing exercises are important to improve lung capacity and to improve your stress overall. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are recommended for people with COPD. Talk to your doctor or respiratory therapist about techniques for breathing more efficiently throughout the day.

COPD is a chronic and progressive disease. It is important to see your doctor regularly and steadily monitor your lung function. Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and staying as healthy as possible can help slow the progress, reduce symptoms and make living with COPD easier.