8 Things to Know About Managing COPD

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Paige Greenfield Fowler on October 22, 2022
  • happy senior couple, couple, senior, happy, outdoors,
    COPD: Who Knew?
    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may not garner as much attention as heart disease and cancer, but it's the third most common cause of death in the U.S. Although there's no cure, there are many things you can do to slow the progression—including learning more about it. Here are eight things you should know about COPD that can help you breathe a little easier.
  • cigarette-butts
    1. The Best Thing You Can Do: Quit Smoking
    Kicking a tobacco habit is the very best thing you can do to control COPD. And it's never too late. Quitting smoking can help prevent complications and put the brakes on the progression of the disease. Not sure where to start? Visit smokefree.gov for a comprehensive guide to ditching cigarettes. You'll also find resources to support you through the process. The more support you get, the more successful you'll be.
  • London skyline on sunny day with haze of air pollution
    2. Avoid Irritants
    Irritants outside your body such as secondhand smoke, chemical fumes, and dust can set off chronic bronchitis symptoms. Do your best to avoid them. On days when air pollution is high, try to stay inside with your windows closed. If you need to have your home painted or sprayed for pests, plan to stay away for several days to avoid being exposed to chemicals that can irritate your airways.
  • http://content.bettermedicine.com/0d/b67121364111e198a412313d033e31/file/bronchitis-SS_support%20group.jpg
    3. Seek Out Support
    While COPD is a medical problem, it can also lead to emotional issues. Many people with COPD experience stress, anxiety, or depression. Let your doctor know how you're feeling emotionally as well as physically. He or she can direct you to a support group where you'll learn how other people with COPD cope with their symptoms. This can make you feel like you're not alone. Spending time with friends and family can also help you feel better.
  • woman breathing deeply
    4. Try Pursed-Lip Breathing
    Many people with COPD, particularly chronic bronchitis, breathe fast. Ask your doctor about a breathing method called pursed-lip breathing. Why it works: Pursed-lip breathing slows your breaths so your airway stays open longer. This means more air can flow in and out, which will allow you to be more active throughout the day. Click forward to learn how.
  • man-practicing-pursed-lip-breathing
    5. How to Do Pursed-Lip Breathing
    Inhale through your nostrils. As you exhale, slightly purse your lips as if you were going to blow out a candle. Try making your exhale two to three times longer than your inhale. For instance, if you inhale for two seconds, try exhaling for four to six seconds.
  • Medical injection
    6. Roll Up Your Sleeve for Vaccines
    Talk with your doctor about any vaccinations you need, such as a yearly flu shot. As if getting the flu wasn't bad enough, people with chronic bronchitis are likely to develop serious problems and a rapid worsening of symptoms if they catch the flu. In addition, people with COPD have a higher risk of getting pneumonia than those without the disease. Ask your doctor whether the pneumonia vaccine is right for you.
  • http://content.bettermedicine.com/3b/00d531364111e198a412313d033e31/file/bronchitis-SS-kitchen.jpg
    7. Make Your Life a Little Easier
    Ask someone to help you rearrange your home so daily activities are easier and less frustrating. For instance, move objects in your kitchen that you use most often somewhere that's easy to reach. You may find that a small cart with wheels is helpful for moving objects around, and a pole with clamps at the end can make it easier to grab things.
  • humidifier
    8: Moisten the Air
    Ask your doctor whether using a humidifier in your home may help. Humidity or steam can help break up mucus and reduce wheezing associated with bronchitis, which will make air flow more easily through your airway.
8 Things to Know About Managing COPD
  1. Living with Chronic Bronchitis, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/brnchi/livingwith.html)
  2. How is Bronchitis Treated? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/brnchi/treatment.html)
  3. What Is COPD? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/)
  4. Living with COPD, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/livingwith.html)
  5. How Can COPD Be Prevented? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/prevention.html)
  6. How is COPD Treated? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/treatment.html)
  7. Quit Guide: Quitting, Smokefree.gov (http://www.smokefree.gov/qg-quitting-quitday.aspx)
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Last Review Date: 2022 Oct 22
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.