How to Keep COPD under Control

By Robin Westen

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive condition that makes it hard to breathe. It’s estimated that as many as 16 million Americans may be suffering with the disease. When symptoms worsen it’s called COPD Exacerbation and often leads to serious illness, hospitalization, even death. To help keep COPD under control, follow these five tips:

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Wash your hands Hand washing is one of the best ways to fight infection and lower your risk of COPD exacerbation. In order for it to be effective, you need to use soap and warm running water and wash all surfaces thoroughly, including under fingernails.

Get your flu shot Not only do flu shots help prevent the flu, but they can help COPD patients fight off potential episodes of COPD exacerbation. In fact, one of the most common risk factors for a COPD exacerbation is a serious infection like the flu.

Ask your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine A serious, often life-threatening illness, pneumococcal pneumonia kills approximately 1 out of every 20 people who fall victim to it. And, people who have COPD are at a greater risk for developing pneumococcal pneumonia, which can lead to COPD exacerbation.

Eat right Although a healthy diet can’t cure COPD, it can help you feel better and give you more energy for all of your daily activities, including breathing. Sound nutrition can also help you fight chest infections, which can lead to COPD exacerbation.

Get moving Exercise is an important part of staying healthy, but it is especially important if you have COPD. An exercise program can help you regain a sense of control over your life, increase your self-esteem and improve your overall quality of life. Just walking 30 minutes a day can help reduce your risk of COPD exacerbation.

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