Living With COPD
COPD has no cure yet. However, you can take steps to
manage your symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. You can:
- Avoid lung irritants
- Get ongoing care
- Manage the disease and its symptoms
- Prepare for emergencies
Avoid Lung Irritants
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is the leading cause of
COPD. Talk to your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit.
Many hospitals have programs that help people quit smoking, or hospital staff
can refer you to a program. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's
"Your
Guide to a Healthy Heart" booklet has more information about how to quit
smoking.
Try to avoid secondhand smoke and other lung
irritants that can contribute to COPD, such as air pollution, chemical fumes,
and dust. Keep these irritants out of your home. If your home is painted or
sprayed for insects, have it done when you can stay away for awhile.
Keep your windows closed and stay at home (if
possible) when there's a lot of air pollution or dust outside.
Get Ongoing Care
If you have COPD, it's important to get ongoing
medical care. Take all of your medicines as your doctor prescribes. Make sure
to refill your prescriptions before they run out. Bring all of the medicines
you're taking when you have medical checkups.
Talk with your doctor about whether and when you
should get flu and
pneumonia
vaccines. Also, ask him or her about other diseases for which COPD may increase
your risk, such as heart disease, lung cancer, and pneumonia.
Manage COPD and Its Symptoms
You can do things to help manage your disease and
its symptoms. Depending on how severe your disease is, you may ask your family
and friends for help with daily tasks. Do activities slowly. Put items that you
need often in one place that's easy to reach.
Find very simple ways to cook, clean, and do other
chores. Some people find it helpful to use a small table or cart with wheels to
move things around and a pole or tongs with long handles to reach things. Ask
for help moving things around in your house so that you will not need to climb
stairs as often.
Keep your clothes loose, and wear clothes and shoes
that are easy to put on and take off.
Prepare for Emergencies
If you have COPD, knowing when and where to seek
help for your symptoms is important. You should seek emergency care if you have
severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking. (For more
information on severe symptoms, see
"What
Are the Signs and Symptoms of COPD?")
Call your doctor if you notice that your symptoms
are worsening or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever. Your
doctor may change or adjust your treatments to relieve and treat symptoms.
Keep phone numbers handy for your doctor, hospital,
and someone who can take you for medical care. You also should have on hand
directions to the doctor's office and hospital and a list of all the medicines
you're taking. |