COPD
COPD and Quality of Life
A diagnosis of COPD will likely cause your life to change. At first, the changes may be small—extra doctors visits, or using an inhaler when you feel short of breath. However, as the condition progresses, you may find that your are no longer able to do some of the things that you used to.
However, that doesn't mean that your life is over. If you take care of yourself by taking action like quitting smoking, avoiding your triggers, eating better, and making an effort to stay socially and physically active, you will find that you may be able to enjoy life just as much as you did before COPD.
You're Not Alone: Get Support
Your needs for assistance will vary, depending on the day, but learning to ask for and accept help when you need it is a critical part of managing your disease.
COPD Doctors
Medical specialists including pulmonologists and respiratory therapists will help with your COPD.
Five Questions to Ask Your Pulmonologist
There are a few key subjects to bring up with your specialist once you have been diagnosed with COPD.
Is COPD a Disability?
If you have COPD, are you elegible for social security benefits? Does your employer have to make accommodations for your condition?
World COPD Day
Each November, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) hosts World COPD Day, a day to raise awareness about COPD.
COPD Etiquette Guide
Etiquette expert Charles Purdy answers your COPD-related questions. For example, what should you do about bringing your oxygen tank to the movie theater?
Improve Your Quality of Life
COPD Triggers and How to Avoid Them
You can manage COPD by avoiding or limiting your exposure to known triggers.
Nutrition Guide for COPD
Although a healthy diet won’t cure COPD, it will help your body fight infections and make you feel better.
Overcoming the COPD Stigma
It isn't easy to overcome the stigma of living which a chronic illness—especially COPD.
Exercise with COPD
Studies show that people with COPD who regularly exercise can improve their breathing, which in turn eases their symptoms and improves their overall quality of life.
Creating a COPD-Friendly Home
The quality of the air in your home can aggravate COPD symptoms.
COPD and Anxiety
Anxiety and COPD often create a vicious cycle. Feelings of breathlessness can provoke panic, which can make you feel more anxious—which can make it even harder to breathe.
Overcoming Depression and COPD
It's estimated that almost half of those with COPD suffer from depression.
COPD and Your Sex Life
Many people with COPD have happy and fulfilling sex lives with healthy expressions of intimacy.
Dramatic Weight Loss
There are many reasons that patients with COPD might begin to experience dramatic weight loss.
Dealing With Humidity
In general, minimal humidity levels are best for COPD patients. But every patient is different.
Does High Altitude Exacerbate COPD?
If you are planning to visit or travel to a place in high altitudes, there may be some things you should do to prepare beforehand.
Recognizing and Avoiding Allergens
Any substance that causes an allergic reaction may exacerbate your COPD symptoms.