– Identify Your Symptoms and Know Your Triggers
Self-awareness is key to managing COPD effectively. Everyone’s symptoms may vary, so keeping track of them will help you plan your daily activities accordingly. For example, knowing how much walking you can do before needing a break will help you avoid overexertion.

Pay attention to your symptoms’ fluctuations. Common triggers of COPD flare-ups include cigarette smoking, allergies, respiratory infections, air pollution, and extreme weather conditions. Avoiding these triggers is essential, so prepare accordingly—for example, staying in a controlled environment during extreme heat or cold.

– Know Your Medications
Your doctor will prescribe medications in the form of inhalers, nebulizers, or pills. Understanding your medications is crucial for effective treatment. There are typically maintenance inhalers (taken daily for long-term control) and rescue inhalers (used for quick relief during flare-ups).

Inhaler technique matters—many people use their inhalers incorrectly, preventing the medication from reaching the lungs. Make sure you understand the proper technique and consider using a spacer for easier administration.

Always have a COPD flare-up action plan ready and discuss it with your doctor. This may include rescue inhalers, steroid pills, or antibiotics.

– Apply Better Breathing Techniques
Breathing difficulties in COPD occur because the small air tubes in the lungs become tight. Breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can help you control your breathing and make it easier to breathe during activities.

Mastering these techniques will help you feel more in control when you’re struggling to breathe.

– Eat Well and Stay Active
Healthy eating and maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly improve COPD symptoms. Excess weight makes the breathing muscles work harder. Regular physical activity helps keep your muscles, joints, and bones strong.

Though it’s easy to adopt a sedentary lifestyle due to breathlessness, staying active is critical. Start small and gradually build your endurance. Joining a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program can help you regain strength with expert guidance.

– Quit Smoking
Smoking is the primary cause of COPD, and continuing to smoke will only worsen the condition. The good news is that quitting smoking can stop the progression of COPD and reduce the risk of other diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

It’s never too late to quit! There are effective tools, medications, and strategies available to help you. Don’t hesitate to seek support to quit smoking for good.

– Healthy Body, Healthy Lungs
Managing COPD isn’t just about lung health—it’s about your overall health. Regular checks for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease are essential, as these are common in people with COPD.

It’s also vital to get vaccinated against pneumonia, influenza, and other respiratory infections. Regular cancer screenings (like for lung, colon, and breast cancers) are crucial as well.

Talk to your doctor about the necessary tests to detect and prevent complications.