COPD: How to Treat and Prevent It

You may have heard about COPD, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Many people suffer from it. It doesn’t allow your lungs to receive the oxygen needed because you have trouble breathing. This is the third cause of death in the world and it can be prevented or treated with some simple habits. We will tell you all about it and we will explain what you have to do to prevent it.

The main causes

COPD appears when your lungs can’t function properly anymore. The reasons can be various, but the main cause is smoking. When someone smokes, it affects not only their lungs and health, but the health of the people around them. Yes, even people who don’t smoke, but have been exposed to this vice can make COPD. The poor conditions in which many people work can also become a reason for COPD.

What are the symptoms?

In time, symptoms like persistent cough, chest tightening or trouble when breathing can be observed. You will start losing weight and you won’t have energy anymore. The untreated COPD can lead the serious health problems, like lung cancer or heart problems.

How to prevent and treat COPD

Follow these 10 rules and transform them into habits, and you won’t have to worry about COPD anymore.

• Avoid as much as you can the places in which there are lung irritants, like industrialized areas, polluted places or places where people smoke.
• Make breathing exercises in order to improve the quality of your breathing. The American Association for Respiratory Care recommends two types of breathing: the diaphragmatic breathing and the pursed-lip breathing. They encourage your lungs to breathe deeper and to be more relaxed.
• If you smoke, you should quit. The smoking will only deteriorate the state of your lungs and it will produce lung cancer.
• A balanced diet can help you prevent and treat COPD. You will need food rich in proteins, omega 3 and potassium. Try to eat many fruits and vegetables and don’t use salt in excess when you are cooking.
• Treat your body with the help of acupressure and acupuncture. These Chinese treatments will help you prevent COPD and treat it, but you will need the advice of your doctor.
• Exercise daily if you can because it will increase the intake of oxygen in your body and it will relax your lungs and strengthen your muscles. Even if it is hard to exercise when you have COPD, try to make as many exercises as you can.
• Avoid the changes in the weather and always be prepared. You could manage the atmosphere in the place that you are living. When there is hot weather, stay in a room with air conditioning that will help you breathe easier. If it’s cold outside, wear a scarf to protect yourself.
• Vitamin D is very helpful for your body. In order to not develop an infection, stay 10 minutes in the morning sun or consume milk, eggs and fish.
• Stay away from the places infected. Respiratory infections will harm your health and can complicate your state. Wash your hands and cover your mouth and nose if you know there are people infected in the place that you’re staying/visiting. Water and vaccines are very important; they will help you stay away from infections.
• Drink plenty of fluids and maintain yourself hydrated.

Follow these rules and you will be able to prevent or treat COPD easily. If you have a serious form of COPD, you should speak with your doctor in order to find the right treatment.