Tips for Improving Quality of Life for COPD Patients
By Genevieve Cunningham
One of the most prevalent and fastest growing diseases in the world today is known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD. This term is a blanket term that encompasses multiple lung conditions, such as emphysema and bronchitis. It’s a chronic, progressive condition, and as of today, it does not have a cure. Thousands of people have been diagnosed with the disease, and thousands more will be diagnosed just within the next few months. While it can feel scary to be diagnosed, all hope is not lost. Take a look at these tips for improving your quality of life and your health, even after COPD has become a part of your life.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
At first, a diagnosis of COPD is scary. It often shocks people into action. They see their doctor, follow the prescribed routine, and stay vigilant in their own personal care. But because COPD is an incredibly slow progressing disease, this vigilance often slacks off. If you want to protect yourself long-term, it’s imperative to follow the doctor’s advice, even when your symptoms aren’t flaring. If you don’t, you’re setting yourself up for tougher flare-ups down the road.
Exercise Every Day
It’s usually difficult for COPD patients to exercise because of the shortness of breath. But it’s also so very important! Start off with mild, low-impact exercise, and work your way up from there. Though you may feel short of breath in the beginning, exercise will help you save the lungs that are left and may even expand basic function over time.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Now is a more important time than ever before to keep your weight at a healthy point. Too little weight, and you run the risk of further damaging the body. You may not get the nutrients that you need or be able to fight off infection if you’re underweight. If you have too much weight, you may find it harder to exercise, harder to stay well, and harder to breathe due to the excess size. Do your best to keep your body at a healthy weight, and your symptoms may stay relatively stable for years.
COPD is a serious disease, and unfortunately, it still doesn’t have a cure in sight. But if you’ve been diagnosed, there are ways to keep yourself healthy and the symptoms at bay! Use these tips to protect your body and your lungs. With some due diligence, you may be able to stall this progressive disease and enjoy a fulfilled life for years to come.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lafayette, La.