Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD) is a prevalent type of lung disease. Patients with COPD can manage their symptoms (i.e., shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic cough, chest tightness, excess mucus in your lungs that may be green or yellow in color, fatigue, frequent infections, swollen feet and ankles, etc.) with the help of some essential lifestyle changes (in addition to doctor-prescribed medications and therapies). The following tips for lifestyle changes can not only help people with COPD manage their symptoms but slow the progression of the disease as well:

1. Quitting smoking
If someone with COPD smokes, then quitting smoking can slow down the progression of the disease. One of the leading causes of COPD in the country and for around 90% of COPD-related deaths, smoking irritates the lungs’ airways by obstructing and inflaming them. This causes the airways to narrow, making it difficult for people with COPD to breathe due to lesser air passing in and out. Smoking could also lessen the effectiveness of steroid medications given to treat severe COPD as these need to be inhaled.

2. Improving the air quality at home
Some irritants present within the house can make breathing more difficult for people who suffer from COPD. Some of the common irritants include pet dander, dust, tobacco smoke, pesticides, chemical cleaning products, varnishes, and paints. One can improve the air quality at home by washing bed linens every week for reducing dust mites, vacuuming and removing clutter for preventing dust build-up, using air filtration systems and having them cleaned out regularly to prevent the growth of harmful mildew and mold, opening windows for increasing and bettering airflow, and limiting contact with household chemicals.

3. Practicing breathing exercises
People with COPD can practice breathing exercises to improve COPD symptoms. These exercises include:

• Pranayama: This controlled breathing technique which is a common part of practicing yoga, involves focusing on those body areas which are involved in breathing.
• Diaphragm breathing: This involves the contraction of the diaphragm for breathing more deeply.
• Pursed-lip breathing: This involves inhaling via the nose and exhaling through tightly pursed lips.

4. Managing stress levels
Emotional stress can end up weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of COPD flare-ups and exacerbations. Depression and anxiety can also increase the risk of flare-ups. Stress management strategies such as mindful meditation goes a long way in improving general health.

5. Maintaining a healthy weight
Those who suffer from COPD and are also underweight possess a higher risk of mortality as compared to people who suffer from COPD but are overweight or obese. Those who suffer from COPD and are also underweight are likely to experience reduced lung capacity, a reduced ability to exercise, as well as weakness in the breathing muscles. Balanced diets can also help those who suffer from COPD by improving their lung function, and they have heart and metabolic benefits as well.

6. Developing muscle strength
Avoiding exercises can worsen symptoms of COPD, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty in breathing. Indulging in the following exercises would help people with COPD increase exercise capacity and improve muscle strength:

• Strength training: This employs resistance methods such as the person’s body weight, resistance bands, and weights for increasing muscle strength and size, helping improve shortness of breath.
• Interval training: This involves alternating periods of low and high-intensity exercises, which is good for people who suffer from severe COPD.