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Living with COPD

Woman using OxygenLiving with COPD can be challenging, as the disease dramatically impacts your daily life. Often causing severe disability, a diagnosis of COPD can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

As the disease progresses, any kind of physical activity or social interaction may prove difficult. Luckily, you can take back your independence and improve your quality of life by incorporating the following tips into your daily life:

Maintain a Safe Environment

Maintaining a safe environment is an important part of COPD management and should be moved to the top of your priority list. Safety, both inside and outside the home, will help to preserve your health and assist you in carrying out activities of daily living in a safe manner. Things that you can do to foster safety around your home include:
• Remove all throw rugs from the floors
• Place safety bars inside bathrooms, showers and bathtubs and along walkways both inside and outside the home
• Use a raised toilet seat
• Remove all cords and other debris from pathways inside and outside the home
• Ensure adequate lighting
• Use non-slip slippers or shoes when moving about the home
• Discard any medication expired or not in use in a safe place
• Do not allow yourself to be near anyone who smokes (especially if on oxygen).
• Write down emergency numbers and place in a visible place

Practice Effective Communication

Most of us take our ability to communicate with others for granted. But, with COPD, communication may become difficult due to extreme shortness of breath. It's important for you to know that it's OK to take your time speaking. Talk in short phrases or sentences and pause in between to rest if necessary.

Conserve Your Energy

Breathlessness is understandably the most frightening aspect of COPD. Unlike healthy people, breathing for a COPD patient involves a conscious effort and can be extremely challenging. Practicing energy conservation techniques will help you pace yourself so you can complete your activities of daily living and not get so out of breath. Continue reading "Living with COPD"