5 Helpful Tips For Living With COPD

 

Updated: December 28, 2021

 

COPD Living Tips

 

Living with COPD can be both terrifying and discouraging, but you do not have to do it alone. There are resources available to you that can help you physically, mentally, and financially.

 

1. Share Your Story

In any journey, it is important to have a good sense of community and moral support. You are not alone. Even if you do not know anyone who has COPD, there are online forums and support groups created specifically for people living with COPD. Listentoyourlungs.com is an example of a safe space to talk about your experiences with COPD while also learning from the experiences of others.1 The American Lung Association offers additional resources and forums:

 

2. Look Into Financial Aid Programs and Prescription Discounts

If you have financial concerns about your diagnosis, the American Lung Association2 has a few suggestions for financial aid. Organizations designed to help you locate pharmacies with the best prices and find assistance paying for prescriptions include:

 

3. Find Support to Quit Smoking for Good

If you would like some help quitting your tobacco habit, call 1-800-5864-872 (1-800-LUNG-USA). The lines are open every day – weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.3

 

4. Make Sure You Exercise

Studies have shown that daily exercise helps reduce both physical and psychological symptoms of COPD.4 One Harvard Health Publishing article reports that Tai Chi, with its gentle way of helping the body and mind, may help those with COPD maintain an active lifestyle.5 Vitality Medical offers a selection of exercising equipment, including exercise balls, swimming pool bikes, resistance bands, weights, and more to help you move your body and feel your best.

 

5. Keep Up With Your Vaccines

Stay current on your respiratory infection-related vaccinations. Since COPD is a lung condition, it is important to take proactive measures to avoid any kind of illness that compromises your ability to breathe. Because it is a preventative action, many health insurance companies will cover the cost of a flu shot, and anyone meeting the age requirement set by the CDC can get a COVID-19 shot for free. Although vaccines are not 100% guaranteed to prevent illnesses, they are known to lessen your chances of getting sick or becoming seriously ill.6

 

 

Footnotes

  • 1 Astra Zenica, A. Z. (2020, July). Share Your COPD Story: Listen to Your Lungs. Know Your Lung Complications. https://www.listentoyourlungs.com/share-your-story.html (Last Accessed June 15, 2021)
  • 22American Lung Association, A. L. A. (2021). Financial Assistance Programs. American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/help-support/financial-assistance-programs. (Last Accessed June 15, 2021)
  • 3American Lung Association, A. L. A. (2021). Lung HelpLine. Lung HelpLine | American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/help-support/lung-helpline-and-tobacco-quitline. (Last Accessed June 15, 2021)
  • 4 Spruit, M. A., Burtin, C., De Boever, P., Langer, D., Vogiatzis, I., Wouters, E. F. M., & Franssen, F. M. E. (2016, June). COPD and exercise: does it make a difference? Breathe (Sheffield, England). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4933612/. (Last Accessed June 15, 2021)
  • 5 The President and Fellows of Harvard College, T. P. and F. of H. C. (2021, February 1). Tai chi: Promising for COPD. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/tai-chi-promising-for-copd. (Last Accessed June 15, 2021)
  • 6 Mann, D., Upham, B., Bellefonds, C. de, & Rauf, D. (2017, October 13). 11 Ways to Live Better With COPD: Everyday Health. EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthier-living-with-copd/live-better-with-copd/. (Last Accessed June 15, 2021)