You should see your health care provider if you are experiencing the symptoms of COPD, particularly if your breathing has become increasingly difficult.
smoking cessation is the most important thing you can do to improve your condition. You can stop smoking to improve your COPD symptoms.
Most patients with COPD are currently smoking or have smoked in the past. A plan to stop smoking is an essential part of a comprehensive treatment plan. smoking cessation success rates, however, are low because of the following:
Setting a quit date may be helpful. Your health care provider will participate with you by setting a target date and by scheduling follow-up visits.
The transition from smoking to not smoking occurs in 5 stages:
The process of smoking cessation involves multiple interventions. smoking intervention programs include the following:
Successful cessation programs typically use the following resources and tools:
* Patient education
* A quit date
* Follow-up support
* Relapse prevention
* Advice for healthy lifestyle changes
* Social support systems
* Adjuncts to treatment (eg, medications )
Many people with COPD are unable to enjoy life to the fullest because of shortness of breath, physical limitations, and inactivity. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to improve quality of life by decreasing airflow limitation, preventing secondary medical complications, and alleviating respiratory symptoms.
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are first conducted in an outpatient setting and then can be continued at home. Guidelines for continuing this program at home will be provided for you. A rehabilitation program may include a number of components and will be tailored to your needs.
COPD cannot be cured but it can be prevented. To prevent COPD:
Do not smoked, and, if you do smoke, quit.
Eliminate your exposure to smoked by not allowing people to smoke in your home and by sitting in designated nonsmoking areas when out in public. You should also avoid wood smoke and cooking smoke.
Limit air pollutants in your home.
Try to avoid getting respiratory infections during cold and flu season. You should also frequently wash your hands because viruses can be passed through hand-to-mouth contact.
Fight for clean air to prevent those cases of COPD due to air pollution.