3 Expert Tips to Manage Your COPD

by Revity

Life can be difficult when you suffer from a chronic lung disease, but fortunately, you can take steps to manage your COPD and improve your life.

Coping with COPD starts with understanding your diagnosis. Since each case is different, there are various steps you can take to improve your breathing and help reduce symptoms. Let’s take a closer look at three expert tips to help you stay as healthy as possible.

What Is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory disease that causes an obstructed airflow from the lungs. It typically develops from prolonged exposure to irritating elements such as cigarette smoke. Symptoms include wheezing, increased mucus production, persistent cough, and shortness of breath. This disease can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease.

There is currently no cure for COPD, but treatment can help slow its progression and manage symptoms.

  1. Eat Healthy and Exercise Often

Eating healthy and exercising is important for everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but this is especially true to manage your COPD. Your symptoms might make it difficult to exercise, but remember that healing is a marathon, not a sprint. Start slowly and gradually build strength and you’ll see improvements.

  1. Take Medication Correctly

When you visit your doctor, they will create a treatment plan specific to your needs. Here are some ways to help you follow the treatment plan and take your medication correctly:

  • Create a routine – Combine taking your medications with something else that you do daily, such as showering or brushing your teeth.
  • Create a checklist – Sometimes medications are used at different times during the day. If you add your medications to a daily checklist, this will help you take them on time.
  • Speak with your doctor – Sometimes medications can have unpleasant side effects. Instead of stopping the medicine, speak with your doctor to see if there are other options for you.
  1. Get Plenty of Rest

Getting the correct amount of rest is just as important as healthy eating and exercise. Your COPD might make it difficult to get enough rest, so here are some tips to improve your sleep:

  • Exercise daily
  • Avoid napping during the day and caffeine after 5:00 p.m.
  • Have a scheduled bedtime and wake-up time
  • Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet for sleeping
  • Avoid using electronics before bed
  • Try meditation if you need help easing your mind
  • Ask your doctor about sleep aids, if necessary

O2 Assist Can Help

When you ask your doctor, chances are that they will recommend an oxygen concentrator as a way to manage your COPD. At O2 Assist, we provide you with both portable and home oxygen concentrator options backed by a customer support team that goes above and beyond to make your experience with our concentrators easier than ever. If you’re living with COPD and ready to live a better life, talk to your doctor today to determine an oxygen concentrator that is suitable for your lifestyle.

Our products can be shipped anywhere within the United States using the United States Postal Service or the United Parcel Service. Contact us today to learn more!

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