Living With COPD
Although there is no cure for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), your symptoms can be managed, and damage to your
lungs can be slowed. If you smoke, quitting is the most important thing you can
do to help your lungs.
Information is available on ways to help you quit smoking. You
also need to try to stay away from people who are smoking or places where there
is smoking.
It is important to keep the air in your home clean.
Here are some things that may help you in your home:
- Keep smoke, fumes, and strong smells out of your
home.
- If your home is painted or sprayed for insects,
have it done when you can stay away from your home.
- Cook near an open door or window.
- If you heat with wood or kerosene, keep a door or
window open.
- Keep your windows closed and stay at home when
there is a lot of pollution or dust outside.
If you are taking medicines, take them as ordered
and make sure you refill them so you do not run out.
See your doctor at least two times a year, even if
you are feeling fine. Make sure you bring a list of medicines you are taking to
your doctor visit.
Ask your doctor or nurse about getting a flu shot
and pneumonia vaccination.
Keep your body strong by learning breathing
exercises and walking and exercising regularly.
Eat healthy foods. Ask your family to help you buy
and fix healthy foods. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Eat protein food like
meat, fish, eggs, milk, and soy.
If your doctor has told you that you have severe
COPD, there are some things that you can do to get the most out of each breath.
Make your life as easy as possible at home by:
- Asking your friends and family for help.
- Doing things slowly.
- Doing things sitting down.
- Putting things you need in one place that is easy
to reach.
- Finding very simple ways to cook, clean, and do
other chores. Some people use a small table or cart with wheels to move things
around. Using a pole or tongs with long handles can help you reach things.
- Keeping your clothes loose.
- Wearing clothes and shoes that are easy to put on
and take off.
- Asking for help moving your things around in your
house so that you will not need to climb stairs as often.
- Picking a place to sit that you can enjoy and
visit with others.
If you are finding that it is becoming more
difficult to catch your breath, your coughing has gotten worse, you are
coughing up more mucus, or you have signs of infection (such as a fever and
feeling poorly), you need to call your doctor right away. Your doctor may do a
spirometry test, blood work, and a
chest x ray. Your doctor may also:
- Order antibiotics, which are medicines that help
fight off infection
- Change the type and dosage of the bronchodilator
and glucocorticosteroid medicines you have been taking
- Order oxygen or increase the amount of oxygen you
are currently using
It is helpful to have certain information on hand in
case you need to go to the hospital or doctor right away. You should plan now
to make sure you have:
- The phone numbers for the doctor, hospital, and
people who can take you to the hospital or doctor
- Directions to the hospital and doctor's
office
- A list of the medicines you are taking
When To Get Emergency Help
You should get emergency help if:
- You find that is hard to talk or walk.
- Your heart is beating very fast or
irregularly.
- Your lips or fingernails are gray or blue.
- Your breathing is fast and hard, even when you
are using your medicines.
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