SHARES
“It’s difficult and I become breathless just doing the simple tasks like taking a shower, walking to the bathroom, trying to get out to do what I have to do. By the time I’m ready to go, I don’t want to do it.” Kane, 62, who is battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
It’s inevitable that your life will change when you are battling COPD. You might not be able to do the daily routine things you did before. Hence, it would certainly be a challenge for you, physically and psychologically. Here are some tips that might help you manage COPD and improve your quality of life.
Tips for managing COPD
Protect your lung
Your lung function has already been compromised. So, avoid anything that can make the condition worse. For instance, quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. With COPD, a respiratory infection can get very serious. Therefore, protect your lung from virus and infection by washing your hands often, avoiding crowds during cold and flu season, and maintaining good oral hygiene. In addition, get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia.
Improve your breathing
The biggest challenge living with COPD is you always find yourself trying to catch your breath. You always lack oxygen. One way to ease the condition is to practise breathing exercises. This will help to increase your oxygen intake and lessen anxieties. There are two key breathing exercises that might help you:
- Pursed lip breathing: first, relax your neck and shoulder muscle. Breathe in slowly through your nose. Pucker your lip. Then exhale slowly through your muscle. Repeat for a few minutes.
- Abdominal breathing: Sit down with your hands on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose. You should feel your belly is expanding like balloon. Exhale through pursed lips slowly. Repeat for several times.
Exercise
You might think that it’s nearly not possible to exercise when you have COPD. In fact, the right amount and type of exercise can help you in many ways. It helps to improve your blood circulation, lose weight, ease your anxiety, improve your sleep and strengthen your muscles. Among the exercises that you can try:
1. Stretching
Stretching improves your flexibility and relaxes you. It’s a good way to warm up before and cool down after your exercise. Try holding your stretch for 10-30seconds, slowly breathing in and out.
2. Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise helps your heart pump to circulate blood. Try low intensity aerobics like walking, swimming, and biking.
3. Resistance
Resistance exercise helps strengthen your muscles including your breathing muscle. You can do it with an exercise band, weights, or even working against your own muscle.
On a cautionary note, discuss with your doctor before starting any exercise. He’ll tell you if you need a breathing device.
Nutrition
Your body uses food as fuel for its activity. The right choice of nutrients help you breathe easier. Seek advice from a dietician to help you get on track. Metabolism of carbohydrates makes the most carbon dioxide for the amount of oxygen used while metabolism of fats produces the least. Some COPD patients limit their carbohydrate intake and more fats to helps them breathe easier. Drink more fluids and cut down your salt intake to keep your mucus thin. Eat lots of small meals instead of one big one. This will keep your energy level high. Try maintain a healthy weight.
Conclusion
COPD is a challenge, but with proper care, good diet, and some patience, you can live a normal life as much as possible.
Find a Pulmonologist in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a Pulmonologist in Singapore, on GetDoc
References
1. Everyday tips for Living with COPD [Internet]. WebMD. 2019. [Available from: https://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/everyday-tips-living-with-copd#3; last accessed on 2019 Nov 9]
2. Managing COPD [Internet]. American Lung Association. 2019. [Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/living-with-copd/managing-copd.html; last accessed on 2019 Nov 9]
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
