How to Cope with COPD
An estimated 32 million people in the United States are diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is attributed to lung disorders such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and even asthma. If you have been diagnosed with COPD it can cause many changes to your lifestyle. But, it is manageable when you learn a few "lifestyle adjustments."
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Instructions
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Coping With COPD
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Understand the disease by reading and researching everything you can. Also come to terms with the fact that you may not be able to be as active as you once were, but will be able to lead a pretty normal life. This disease affects your lungs, making it difficult to breath. Don't try to keep the pace you did before the diagnosis, you will be left breathless and frustrated!
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Tell family and friends about your condition and explain it's symptoms. You aren't looking for sympathy, you're offering an explanation as to why you may need to adjust some of your activities. You may have good days and bad days and they need to understand why. Explain to children or grandchildren in simple terms so that they understand why you can't play with them at times. Knowing you don't feel well is better than them thinking you just don't want to play.
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Pay attention to weather conditions. Hot, humid days or cold days might effect your breathing. Plan to be indoors on days that the weather conditions are not favorable to your condition. If you do go outside on these days, shorten the amount of time you are out, especially in extremely hot weather. Your home and car should have air conditioning to help your breathing. Park as close to store entrances as possible, to avoid long walks in the heat or cold. Your doctor may even authorize a disabled sign for your car.
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Remain as active as you can, but realize your limitations. When physical work renders you breathless, stop what you are doing and rest for awhile. You'll get frustrated and aggravated at yourself, your condition and in fact the whole world! Yes, it is aggravating not to be able to vacuum your entire house, or mow the whole yard at once like you used to. But it's also the way it is now and it's no big deal to stop and rest when this happens.
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Learn your "bad" breathing triggers and try to avoid them as much as possible, or at least limit them. If you are an outdoorsy person, continue enjoying the outdoors. Spend your time outdoors in the early mornings and evenings and remain inside in the air conditioning during the hotter part of the day.
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Keep your home as dust free as possible. Try to remove as many breathing problem "triggers" as possible. Strong harsh cleaners and strong fragrant sprays need to be replaced. Don't let this lung disease get you down, learn how to work with it, not against it. Above all, remember that it's okay to stop when you get tired or breathless. Getting aggravated will only prolong this breathing attack! Relax, read a book for awhile, and then go tackle that chore again.
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Take any medication your doctor has prescribed. Warm showers will also help when your lungs are feeling "tight." Learning your limitations and accepting them is your first step towards coping with COPD. Do what you can, when you can and learn not to worry about the rest, and you'll find you'll be able to do more. Stress is another trigger, so don't stress about what you can't do, enjoy what you can do!
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear a scarf in cold weather and breathe through it instead of breathing in the cold air directly.
