There are aspects of your lifestyle that you can change in order to reduce your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or to help ease your symptoms.
Give up smoking
Not smoking is the best way to prevent COPD. If you smoke, and have COPD, give up as soon as possible. Quitting can slow down the progress of the condition.
If your symptoms of COPD are mild, stopping smoking may be all that is needed to significantly improve them. It is important to avoid other people’s smoke and smoky environments.
Get regular exercise
Regular exercise will help to strengthen your heart and lungs, and improve your breathing. Build up gradually if you are not used to exercising. Aim to do a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day, at least five times a week.
Losing weight, if you are overweight, can also be beneficial because extra weight can make your breathlessness worse.
Eat a balanced diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is very important for keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) and reduce the amount of fat, sugar and salt, in your diet.
Drink plenty of fluids
Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to help to reduce the amount of mucus and phlegm in your throat and lungs.
Use a steam inhalator or humidifier
A steam inhalator or humidifier can be used at home to help to reduce excess mucus and phlegm. They can also reduce the feeling of being blocked up and being unable to breathe properly.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help to clear excess mucus and phlegm. A physiotherapist will be able to teach you exercises to do at home, such as arm exercises.
Get vaccinated
If you have COPD, you are at greater risk of catching other illnesses, such as influenza (flu). You should therefore have an annual flu jab every autumn (September to November).
A vaccination against pneumococcus (a bacterium that can cause serious chest infections) is also recommended, as a one-off injection.
If you have ephritic syndrome (kidney damage), splenic (injury to your spleen) or asplenic dysfunction (no spleen), additional vaccinations may be required.
COPD and flying
If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and you are planning to fly, go to your doctor for a fitness-to-fly assessment. This involves measuring your oxygen levels and checking your spirometry (breathing test) results.
Before travelling, remember to pack all your medication, such as inhalers, in your hand luggage.
If you are using oxygen therapy, you should inform your travel operator and airline before booking your holiday, as you may need to get a medical form from your doctor. If you are using long-term oxygen therapy, you should arrange to take an adequate oxygen supply with you abroad.
Some airlines may charge a fee for taking oxygen onboard. Since February 2006, UK oxygen suppliers have a duty to ensure that UK residents can get oxygen while they are abroad.
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