SHARES
COPD has a clear cause and prevention, unlike some other diseases. You can take precautions and prevention before it starts. Moreover, you can slow the progression and prevent complications of the diseases. Here are some prevention tips:
Smoking cessation
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. The single most effective way of prevention is to quit smoking. If you find it hard to quit smoking on your own, do not be afraid to join a support group. There are many community groups available to help people quit smoking. Many treatment options are available to help you with smoking cessation, including gums, prescription medication and patches. Seek advice from your physician to find out which is the most suitable for you.
Environmental protection
There are also other lung irritants that when inhaled for a prolonged period of time can lead to COPD. For example, secondhand smoke, dust, chemical fumes, and air pollution. Always avoid secondhand smoke and make your home secondhand smoke free. Wear a mask or try to stay indoor when there is noticeable air pollution outside. Make sure your home is well ventilated especially if you are having a burning stove or fireplace. If your occupation expose you to chemical fumes and dust, protect yourself by wearing respiratory protective equipment.
Early detection
It is important to diagnose early and correctly for effective management of COPD. However, there are still considerable number of undiagnosed patients. Screening by means of spirometry improve detection of disease in primary care. Appropriate treatments can be given to help improve patients’ quality of life.
Vaccination
Patients with COPD are more prone to lung infection due to their damaged lungs. Repeated infection in turn worsen their lung function. In this context, vaccination against viral influenza and streptococcus pneumonia can help reduce your chance of lung infection. In addition, this also reduces mortality risk and the need for hospitalisation. On top of that, always take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. These medicine are important to help prevent complications and reduce your symptoms.
Prophylactic antibiotics
Antibiotics can be helpful for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Studies have shown that the use of antibiotics like Azithromycin can reduce the risk of COPD exacerbation. However, there are side effects of the antibiotics eg hearing loss.
Physical activities
It is certain that exercise helps improve our heath. Appropriate type and amount of exercise helps improve our lung function. This will also also reduces the risk for COPD exacerbation. Beside these, staying active can improve our blood circulation, strengthen bodily muscles, and help lose weight. All these are desirable effects for health maintenance in patients with COPD. Seek advice from your doctor before starting exercise if you are having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Diet
A balanced diet will help keep a good health. Nutrition intake is an important factor in progression of COPD. For instance, good nutrition increase body immunity and resist infection. Additionally, it is good to maintain a healthy weight in COPD patient. This is because nutritional supplementation helps build muscle and promote weight gain among undernourished COPD patient.
Conclusion
Despite extensive amount of research, there is still a huge gap between scientific knowledge and realistic intervention. We still need to elaborate more interventions to help people stop smoking, reduce air pollutants, and encourage health maintenance among COPD patients.
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References
1. Nicolino A. Lifestyle interventions in prevention and comprehensive management of COPD [Internet]. European Respiratory Society. 2019. [ Available from https://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/14/3/186; last accessed on 2019 Nov 21]
2. COPD [Internet]. BMJ Publishing Group. 2018. [ Available from: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/7/prevention; last updated on 2019 Sept 12; last accessed on 2019 Nov 21]
by Chang Xian
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