Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a set of respiratory diseases that block airflow and make it difficult for a person to breathe. It is a very common condition and can also be managed easily. It is important to keep the symptoms in check and manage the condition, as lung damage due to this condition is mostly irreversible.

The following are some beneficial lifestyle changes for COPD patients:

Smoking is a big no
If one has never puffed a single cloud of smoke, they should ensure that they keep it that way, as the habit will not help with COPD symptoms. If one smokes regularly or is addicted to the habit, they can talk to a doctor and seek the best program to help them quit the habit.
Smoking makes COPD advance at a rapid pace, and it can also result in other smoking-related health conditions like hypertension, cancer, and heart disease. One can also try nicotine patches and oral medication to quit by themselves if they aren’t interested in a program or therapy.

Exercise regularly
If one leads a mostly sedentary lifestyle, they should incorporate exercise into their routine. Exercising can provide various benefits that can help manage COPD symptoms, both directly and indirectly. These benefits include improved sleep quality, quality of life, and higher self-esteem. It can also help reduce stress and excess weight.
That said, one must not overexert themselves, as high-intensity workouts can take a toll on a weakened respiratory system.

Maintain proper hygiene
Patients must practice good hygiene, as the top causes of this condition are lung infections and air pollution, which are direct results of bad hygiene. One should wash their hands regularly and take vaccinations on time. COPD, in extreme cases, can prove fatal, so one must take appropriate steps to prevent it.

Go for oxygen therapy
Most people with COPD tend to reject oxygen therapy due to a variety of reasons, but it provides various benefits. These include improved sleep, mood, and mental health, and patients are recommended to use oxygen tanks and nasal cannula. Research says that using oxygen therapy can improve the survival rate of COPD patients.

Pay attention to indoor air quality
People don’t usually pay heed to the quality of air in their homes as they assume it is cleaner as compared to the air outside. However, COPD patients should notice it when the indoor air quality is low and improve it by replacing air filters with good-quality ones.

Avoid any triggers
The symptoms are not triggered by the same factor in all patients. A common mistake made by many people is believing that there is a common set of triggers, but something that triggers the symptoms in one person can barely affect another at times. One should observe their unique triggers and stay away from them as much as possible.