Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

No one appreciates the old cliché “a breath of fresh air” better than those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD. A progressive disease that leads to the gradual loss of lung function, COPD is the 4 th leading cause of death in the United States. Smoking is the main cause, but occupational hazards and premature birth can also cause this debilitating condition.

There are three stages of COPD: mild, moderate, and severe. Each stage is managed differently, especially the severe stage which requires a closely monitored respiratory plan and, many times, home oxygen.

Like most chronic diseases, COPD is best managed through a healthy lifestyle. Changing your eating habits will not cure COPD, but it will help you feel better. Food provides your body with important nutrients that affect your energy level and the amount of carbon dioxide you produce. Too much carbon dioxide can make you feel weak. Good nutrition also helps fight chest infections such as pneumonia which often lead to hospitalization.

Reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight is important. Being overweight can make breathing more difficult, placing undue stress on your heart and lungs. Being underweight can be just as unhealthy. It can make you weak or tired, and increases the chance of infection. If you need help determining your goal weight or developing a good, healthy diet, make an appointment with your doctor or with a registered dietician who understands the implication of diet and COPD.

Exercise, even in small amounts, is beneficial to pulmonary health. Improving and maintaining quality of life is the goal in living with this disease. Quality of life can improve by just walking, even if it’s at a slow pace. Exercise also increases your appetite. A regiment of flexibility, muscle toning, and cardiovascular exercises can help slow the progress of the disease. Many insurance companies, including Medicare, will support respiratory therapy or a formal exercise program geared towards people with COPD. Consult your doctor before you begin any type of exercise program.

Shortness of Breath is a common symptom of COPD, but there are ways to manage this problem. A respiratory therapist can help you retrain your breathing and pre-empt a shortness of breath attack. If you cannot get your breathing under control, seek medical treatment as it may be a sign that your disease is progressing, or a symptom of an unrelated problem. Many people with lung disease stop exercising because of this problem. Inactivity causes the de-conditioning of muscles which leads to even less activity causing an increase in shortness of breath.

There is no cure for COPD, but it can be manageable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting regular check-ups, and annual flu and pneumonia vaccines. It is important to note that smoking is the worst thing you can do if you have COPD. And remember, if you are ill, seek medical attention immediately.

(Ann Jordan is a registered respiratory therapist and director of the Bath Community Hospital Respiratory Therapy Department and Home Oxygen. For more information about pulmonary diet and exercise or home oxygen, call Ann at 540-839-7056.