Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Overview

Living With COPD

There are many changes to lifestyle and home remedies that may increase the quality of life of patients with COPD. When living with COPD, the most important thing to do after quitting smoking is to avoid smoke, air pollution, and other irritants. It is also important to begin eating a healthy diet and to exercise regularly. Another way to cope with COPD is to learn breathing and relaxation techniques to breathe more efficiently throughout the day.

Aside from all the different kinds of lifestyle changes, it is also important to see a doctor regularly to monitor lung function. A doctor may be able to advise whether nutritional supplements are needed, and give some breathing exercises.

Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is the first method of treating and preventing COPD. However, there are many ways one can go about quitting smoking. The most common way patients quit smoking is cold turkey, with no kind of aid, therapy, or medicine, but it is not the most effective method, and there are many aids out there for those who need them.

If attempting to quit smoking, consider behavioral therapy with a counselor to discover triggers and make a plan to ease the cravings. There are also nicotine replacements in the form of gum, patches, inhalers, sprays, and lozenges that allow the patient to slowly decrease their level of nicotine until it is no longer needed.

In worst case scenarios, patients may want to consult a doctor to speak about the possibility of using prescription medications to help cravings and withdrawal. However, medication can cause adverse effects and symptoms.