1. Keep Your Lungs Healthy and Avoid COPD
To preserve your lung function and prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), don't start smoking. If you've ever known someone who is on oxygen, having surgery or suffering due to COPD symptoms and complications, you know you want to do everything you can to avoid the disease yourself. Most cases are caused by lung damage due to cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke, which is helpful to keep in mind when you are tempted to try smoking. Simply don't do it. Nicotine is so addictive that it may take only a few times to get hooked.
If you already smoke, knowing that you are at risk for COPD is a good incentive to quit. The disease can restrict your lifestyle and cause pain or eventually death. See a doctor for help in smoking cessation.
2. Take Control of Your Environment
The remainder of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease incidences are caused largely by repeated exposure to lung irritants other than smoke. These may include pollution, industrial chemicals, airborne particulates and extremely cold or humid air. Knowing the condition of your lungs and your susceptibility to irritation can help you avoid poor environmental conditions.
If you have asthma that is triggered by cold, moist air, moving to a warm, dry climate may help you avoid COPD. Working with chemicals or particulates that give you allergy-like symptoms is a warning sign that you are sensitive to those substances. Considering a career change for health purposes is a sensible solution. Playing or going about daily activities in areas of questionable air quality is a risk. If you participate in a very dusty sport or live in a high-pollution zone, limit your exposure to help avoid getting the disease.
3. Prevent COPD Flare-Ups
Even if you have already been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there are still things you can do to prevent it from spreading and to reduce the severity of your flare-ups. Your lung function is already compromised, so reducing any excess stresses on it is critical. Keep your system as healthy as possible through a well-rounded diet and vitamin supplements. Be religious about taking any medications prescribed for asthma or related conditions. You can also avoid respiratory infections by getting an annual flu shot and pneumonia vaccine.
