Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) isn't so much a disease as it is a descriptor for conditions that cause shortness of breath, airway blockage and damage to the lungs. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthmatic bronchitis all fall under the umbrella of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Once you have COPD, it is virtually untreatable. The best that modern medicine can do is control the disease and stop damage to the lungs. Luckily, there are certain things that can be done to prevent COPD and the damage it causes.
Step 1
Stop smoking. By far, the largest determining factor in having any one of the ailments associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is smoking. The risk of getting COPD increases with how long you've been smoking and how many cigarettes you consume in a day. Obviously, cigarettes aren't the only forms of tobacco ingestion. Pipes, cigars and second-hand smoke also increase the risk of having COPD. The best plan of action for prevent is dropping the habit and staying away from those who are smoking.
Step 2
Watch your environment. It's not just cigarette smoke. Many factors in the outside world can trigger the onset of COPD. If you work in an environment where there is smoke, dust or a heavy amount of air pollutants, the odds are higher than you will, at one time or another, have to deal with COPD. Some of the most common occupation that open us up to COPD are farming, mining and furnace work.
Step 3
Change your diet. A daily intake rich in antioxidants, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to help with the prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Fruits, especially berries, vegetables and fish are a good source of your essential daily requirement and may just help prevent COPD from affecting your breathing.
