How to live healthily with COPD

What is COPD?

COPD is a group of lung conditions, like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that make it difficult to empty air out of your lungs due to narrowed airways.

Jessica Kirby, Asthma + Lung UK says symptoms of COPD can include a persistent cough, getting easily short of breath when walking or during daily activities, wheezing in cold weather or producing more phlegm than usual.

"These symptoms may worsen if you get an infection or breathe in smoke or fumes," she says. "COPD is usually caused by long-term damage from breathing in harmful substances - especially cigarette smoke - as well as smoke from other sources and air pollution.

Jobs with exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals can also contribute to developing COPD. People over 35 who smoke or have a history of chest problems are more likely to develop COPD, but this isn't always the case."

According to one US study, up to 30% of cases occur in people who have never smoked.

Patient picks for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chest and lungs

Acute exacerbations of COPD

An acute exacerbation is more commonly known as a 'flare-up'. An acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms compared with the usual severity of symptoms. This often means a worsening of breathlessness and an increase in coughing, with more phlegm (sputum).

by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

How to be more healthy living with COPD

While there is no cure for COPD, the condition can be managed to help keep COPD symptoms under control, to lower the chance of flare-ups and help people breathe more easily.

Create a plan with your healthcare professional

"It's really important to have a self-management plan, that's filled out with your doctor or specialist nurse," says Kirby. "This can help you stay well and understand what to do if your symptoms worsen."

"Depending on how severe the condition is, you may be offered medicines such as an inhaler that helps open the airways - such as a bronchodilator, or steroid inhalers. It's important to take your inhalers and medicines exactly as prescribed, as this can reduce the likelihood of a flare-up."

At the more severe end of the spectrum, some people benefit from oxygen therapy if their blood oxygen levels are low, or non-invasive ventilation. This involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that pushes air into your lungs.

Keep active

Regular exercise can help improve your COPD symptoms and quality of life, but the amount you can do will depend on your personal circumstances. If you haven't exercised for a long time - or you want to try a new type of exercise - it's a good idea to speak to your doctor first. In time, you should be able to build up the amount you do.

You may be advised to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme, which will include a structured exercise plan tailored to your needs and ability.

"Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the methods used to help control symptoms," says Kirby. "It  is designed specifically for people diagnosed with lung conditions, and comprises a team of trained healthcare professionals. They provide a physical exercise plan, information on looking after your body and lungs, and advice on managing COPD."

Courses are held in groups in local hospitals, community halls, leisure centres and health centres, and last around eight weeks. There are many other ways to be active, including joining an exercise class, walking, gardening, or taking up sports and activities like dancing or yoga.

Kirby adds: "All movement counts and is a great way to strengthen the lungs."

Eat well

"If you have a long-term lung condition, eating a balanced diet with lots of variety can also help keep you feeling well," says Kirby. "Fruits and vegetables have vitamins and minerals that support your immune system to help you fight off chest infections. Starchy carbohydrates - such as brown pasta or rice - give your body energy for breathing."

Kirby suggests consuming proteins - such as chicken and oats - to help to keep your chest muscles strong.

"Dairy foods are a good source of calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones," she says. "Calcium is important if you take long-term steroids, as these increase your chance of brittle bones or osteoporosis."

She also suggests incorporating oils containing vitamins A and E - which are good for fighting infections.

It's also important to drink plenty of fluids - around six to eight glasses each day - to help maintain hydration and keeps mucus moving, which helps prevent chest infections.

Try to avoid COPD triggers

Although it's not always possible, avoiding certain triggers can help alleviate COPD symptoms, and the chances of a flare-up. This includes car exhaust fumes, smoke, air freshener sprays or plug-ins, strong-smelling cleaning products, hairspray and perfume. Ventilating your home well can help reduce symptoms too.

Stop smoking

If you smoke, stopping can help slow down or prevent further damage to your lungs. Help is available from your doctor, and NHS stop smoking services.

Kirby says: "If you smoke, you'll be offered support to stop smoking, as this is a key way to stay well and manage COPD."

Get your jabs

Getting a flu jab is important - people with COPD are more prone to becoming seriously unwell if they're infected. These are free for those with COPD, so as soon as autumn arrives, arrange one with your doctor or pharmacist. People with COPD are also recommended to get a one-off pneumonia vaccination.

Be careful over winter

Kirby says: "Winter can be a difficult time for those with COPD. There tend to be more bugs around, and catching a cold or another infection can cause COPD symptoms to get worse and flare up. Try to ensure your home is warm enough throughout the winter - it should be heated to at least 18°C to help you stay well.

"If you can, avoid contact with people who have cold or flu symptoms - even if this means telling family and friends that if they are unwell, they shouldn't visit. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and encourage other people around you to do the same to reduce the spread of germs."

Try breathing techniques

There are various breathing techniques that some people find helpful for breathlessness. These include breathing control, which involves breathing gently using the least effort, with your shoulders supported.

Breathing techniques for people who are more active include relaxed, slow, deep breathing and breathing through pursed lips. Paced breathing involves using a rhythm in time with the activity - such as climbing stairs or walking.

If you have a chesty cough that produces a lot of phlegm, you may be taught a technique to help you clear your airways, called the active cycle breathing technique. Asthma + Lung UK has more information about breathing control techniques for COPD.

Talk to other people

Living with COPD can be difficult, so it's important to speak to trusted friends and family about the way you feel. You may also find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor or access NHS talking therapies. There are also peer support groups for people living with COPD, which you can often find on social media or through your doctor.