Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that worsens over time. It can cause coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. It can interfere with your breathing and prevent you from things. In some cases, it’s even hard to walk.
Tips to Help You Manage Your COPD
You don’t have to be a prisoner to COPD. There are ways to proactively manage the disease and slow its progression. Here are 3 tips to help you manage this condition, improve how you manage everyday tasks and enjoy doing the things you love:
- Stay Healthy!
Sometimes a cold can make your COPD flare up. Avoid getting sick by taking good care of yourself. Part of that means getting the recommended vaccinations for your age. There’s the usual flu vaccine, of course, but talk with your doctor about whooping cough and shingle prevention, to make sure you don’t catch an infection that leads to COPD complications. Stay away from people who are sick and wash your hands often. If you smoke, then quit!
- Maintain a Proper Weight
People with COPD shouldn’t be too heavy nor too thin. Extra weight can cause a strain on your heart and lungs, decreasing the rate at which it can provide your body with oxygen. Being underweight can mean you do not have enough nutrition to maintain the energy you need. Getting regular exercise will help your circulatory system. Eat healthy; it’s recommended you eat smaller meals more often. Eating a large serving can make you feel breathless afterwards.
- Reduce Stress
There’s that word again. Stress is the culprit in a lot of health issues. The good news is that exercise as well as getting a good night’s sleep helps with stress. Try for 7-9 hours.
Have a Good Medical Support System
At Internal Medicine Diagnostic Center, we take your health seriously. Give us a call at 281-252-8600 to see what we can do for you.