There is no definitive cure for COPD clean-living making a few changes in your lifestyle and carefully following your doctor’s advice can help you manage the condition and reduce symptoms.

Quit smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD and it worsens symptoms and overall health.
Talk to your doctor about the strategy to quit smoking — there are plenty of options available to help you succeed.

Protect yourself from viral and bacterial infections

Wash your hands regularly and maintain good personal hygiene as well as a clean-living environment.
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations, especially when it comes to vaccinations, to protect yourself from viruses and bacteria.

Avoid irritants and harmful substances that can damage your lungs

Monitor air quality in the area you live in, and on days when pollution levels are high, keep your windows closed.
Ventilate your rooms frequently when the outside air is enough clean.
Avoid exposure to smoke or harmful chemicals; if it’s unavoidable, always use the appropriate protective equipment

Maintain a healthy and balanced diet

An inadequate diet can put you at risk.
For instance, if you’re having trouble eating enough due to symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue, you might not be getting the proper daily calorie intake.
What’s the impact? Your muscles, including those used for breathing, can weaken, making it even more challenging to breathe.

To help this, try to:

Eat small meals throughout the day
Rest before meals
Consider taking vitamins or supplements, as advised by your doctor.

On the other hand, overeating or consuming a diet low in vegetables may increase your risk of developing other conditions, like cardiovascular diseases.
Consult your doctor or a nutritionist to create a meal plan tailored to your specific needs.

Stay Active with Regular Exercise

It’s widely known that exercise is good for your health. However, if you suffer from COPD, the difficulty in breathing might make you want to avoid physical activity because it feels too challenging. This would be a mistake: being inactive weakens your muscles, including those that help you breathe, and can worsen your overall health.

Talk to your doctor about finding the right type of exercise for your specific condition.

Regular exercise can help you:

Improve your breathing.
Strengthen your muscle, especially those involved in breathing.
Recover your breath more quickly after physical activity.
Perform daily tasks with less effort and fatigue.
Boost your immune system.
Improve your mood and self-confidence.

Simplify Your Daily Activities

Keep items you use regularly during the day within easy reach. For example, consider using a small wheeled cart to move things you need.
Ask your family to assist in organizing tools and utensils, ensuring they are easily accessible and not stored in hard-to-reach places.
Opt for comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to put on and take off.

Talk to Friends and Family About Your Condition

Having COPD is nothing to be ashamed of.
While it can be challenging to explain your condition, open communication with loved ones can greatly improve both your lives.
Share how you feel and the challenges you face in your daily life. Together, you can find ways they can support you.
If going out feels overwhelming, consider inviting friends over or using technology for calls and messages.
You might be surprised at how willing people are to help and how much they appreciate being there for you.
Having a support network is crucial for your physical health and emotional well-being!