1.- DO NOT SMOKE: Tobacco smoke is the main cause of COPD in the western world. Quitting smoking is difficult, but not impossible and always brings a benefit for COPD patients: it prevents or reduces disease progression and increases life expectancy. Quitting smoking is probably the best treatment for COPD.
EXERCISE: Exercise increases oxygen utilization, strengthens muscles, reduces fatigue and helps control dyspnea (breathlessness). Any exercise is always good. The goal is to exceed 30 minutes a day of physical activity. The easiest thing to do is to start with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, cycling… If you feel fatigued while exercising, do not give up. Simply stop exercising, rest as long as necessary, and when you feel better continue with the physical activity gently. You should do exercises to strengthen the lower part of the body (walking, exercise bike, …) and the upper body (light exercise with weights of 1 kg).
EAT WELL: Maintaining an optimal nutritional status is crucial. The diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables and fish, avoiding excessive intake of carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, pasta, …), flatulent foods and carbonated beverages. Avoid heavy digestions, eating 5-6 meals a day, distributed in small quantities, eating slowly and chewing well. Drink plenty of fluids (approximately 1.5-2 liters), provided there are no contraindications. The best drink is water.
4.- GET YOUR VACCINATIONS: The annual administration of the anti-influenza vaccine reduces the number of exacerbations during epidemic periods. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is also recommended.
5.- TAKE CARE OF YOUR WEIGHT: Obesity limits exercise capacity and aggravates dyspnea.
6.- TAKE MEDICATION: Take the treatment correctly. It is not only important to take the medication, but also to know what it is for and how it should be administered.
7.- GO TO YOUR DOCTOR. Go to regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your COPD and maintain or adjust your treatment. Do not forget to control the “added diseases” (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, depression, anxiety, ..).
8.- RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS OF EXCESSION: Learn to identify the warning signs of an exacerbation of COPD: increased dyspnea, changes in color and consistency of sputum, … In these situations, consult your doctor.
9.- TAKE CARE OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT: Protect yourself from harmful substances in the environment (smoke from tobacco or fuels such as wood or coal, pollution and environmental contamination). Maintain an optimal environment at home (45% humidity and temperature of 19-21 º C). Wear loose-fitting clothes, appropriate for the season, avoiding belts and girdles. Ensure good sleep hygiene.
ENJOY YOUR LIFE: Do not give up enjoying yourself. Keep your interest in social and leisure activities and distraction. If some activities (personal hygiene, sexual relations,…) cause you to choke, consult your doctor.