Do you suffer from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Does it often keep you away from attending the important office meeting? Or do you suddenly wake up constantly in the night due to that notorious coughing or breathlessness? Then, here we list a few strategies to help you manage your COPD in a better way.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD can be defined as a chronic inflammatory lung disease that results in obstructed airflow from the lungs. Emphysema that is a kind of COPD which involves damage to one’s air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis that can be termed as the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, that tend to carry air to and from the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs are the two most common conditions that lead to COPD, while smoking and exposure to chemicals or pollution can invite COPD.
Symptoms of COPD
Wheezing, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, chronic cough, respiratory infections, fatigue, unintentional weight loss and swelling of the legs, feet, and ankle are some of the signs of COPD which shouldn’t be ignored. After a proper diagnosis, your doctor will suggest an appropriate treatment.
This is how you can deal with COPD in day to day life
Likewise, it is also essential to take good care of yourself, if you are leaving with COPD as there may be times when COPD may affect your ability to carry out daily chores like walking. But, now the good news is that you can manage it proactively with the help of these vital tricks. To tackle your COPD, follow them and improve your quality of life.
• flu vaccination is important
• Regular doctor visits and regular medication.
• Yoga under supervision of a trained teacher.
Bid adieu to smoking
If you smoke on the daily basis then it is the time for you to give it up. As discussed earlier, smoking is one of the most significant factors of COPD. Also, don’t forget that e-cigarettes are equally harmful. This is so because they are loaded with ingredients like flavorings which you tend to inhale and also we are unaware of the dangers of them. Thus, it is the need of the hour to quit smoking by opting for a smoking cessation therapy that us patches and nicotine gum. Once you do so, you will be able to improve your lung health.
Cut down on stress
Did you know? That unmanaged stress can worsen your COPD. Thus, it is essential to stay physically fit on a daily basis and adhere to a proper sleep schedule that is sleeping for at least 8 hours, daily, and can also meditate or do breathing exercises which can help you tackle the stress. But, here you should remember that you need to speak to your doctor before starting any exercising programme.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are living with COPD then see to it that you are not on the heavier side. This is so because, if you are heavyweight, then your ticker and lungs will have to work harder in order to supply your body that much-needed oxygen. Likewise, if you are underweight, you may be failing to get those essential nutrients that give you the much-needed needed energy. So, to maintain a healthy weight, you will have to stick to a well-balanced diet and exercise daily. Consult an expert with regards to the foods which you should eat and delete from your diet. Certain foods like junk, spicy, oily and the ones which are sugar-laden are not recommended for the people with lung ailments. Eat apples, apricot, broccoli and walnuts which can be helpful for your lungs.
Keep germs at bay
Try to stay away from people who are sick. In case you have a cough or cold then try to avoid crowded places to safeguard yourself from the germs that make you sick. Moreover, following a good hand wash hygiene is also required.
Article By Dr. Arvind Kate, Pulmonologist
