Tips To Help You Avoid Developing COPD

Avoid Smoking And Second-Hand Smoke

The behavior of smoking is linked to COPD. In fact, it is the leading cause of COPD and takes up approximately ninety percent of all COPD cases. Tobacco smoke damages the airways, air sacs, and lung linings and causes emphysema and chronic bronchitis which produces symptoms like shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, chronic dry cough, and these symptoms worsen over time. Research has shown that second-hand smoke can also result in COPD and second-hand smoke is responsible for nine percent of all smoking-related deaths.

The best way to avoid COPD caused by smoking is to quit first-hand smoking and completely avoid second-hand smoke. Come up with a strategy for quitting smoking that suits you best. Strategies may include avoiding certain triggers like alcohol or coffee, trying a nicotine-replacement therapy, going cold turkey, substituting healthier behaviors like increasing exercise or repeating self-affirmations.

Protecting Yourself From Air Pollution

Hazardous work environments are not the only risk to your health that can lead to COPD. The pollution in the air can also be a risk factor especially in major cities and in underdeveloped countries. To help protect yourself from the effects of air pollution, consider the following tips: Try avoiding exercise during times of the day when pollution levels are at its peak. Avoid exercising in congested areas. Do a daily check on the air pollution forecasts in the area where you live. Use home air filters.

Use the recycled air setting on your air conditioner when sitting in traffic, so you are not bathing yourself in the toxic fumes emitted by the vehicles. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you find yourself feeling headachy on a smoggy day or have tightness in your chest or allergy-like symptoms, consider removing yourself from the outdoors.