Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult, explains the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Involving chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or both, COPD is characterized by a partial blockage of the airways; in severe cases this can lead to profound shortness of breath, making it hard to do the simplest of tasks, such as walking, light housework, and even dressing and washing.
Basics of COPD
Simply put, COPD makes your heart's job harder, MayoClinic.com says. Since the lungs don't receive and process enough oxygen, this affects the oxygen supply in the blood as well. This lung disease can also push the body into over-production of red blood cells, making the blood thicker and harder to move through the blood vessels. Patients with low oxygen levels and COPD may develop an enlarged heart, which leads to even greater shortness of breath, swelling in the extremities, and weakening of the heart.
The two main causes of COPD are cigarette smoking and a lack of alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT, a protein that protects the liver and lungs. Dust and air pollution may also exacerbate COPD.
What to Eat
Nutritional guidelines for COPD patients are simple. Patients should drink lots of fluids, around six to eight glasses daily of noncaffeinated beverages, Cleveland Clinic advises. This helps to keep mucus thinner and easier to cough up from the system. However, patients who have both COPD and heart problems may need to limit fluids, so consult with your doctor.
High-fiber foods are a priority in the COPD patient's diet. These include whole-grain foods, cereals, pasta, fresh fruit, vegetables, beans and peas. Fiber helps to control blood glucose, facilitates digestion and may reduce blood cholesterol as well. Try to consume 20 to 35 g of fiber daily.
Foods to Avoid
Salt should be avoided or minimized. Excessive consumption of sodium causes water retention, which makes breathing more difficult. Instead of salt, use herbs or no-salt spices in your food. Avoid foods with more than 300 mg sodium per serving.
Avoid overeating and consuming foods that may cause bloating or gas, such as fried, greasy or spicy foods, carbonated beverages, vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and fruits such as apples, melons and avocados.
Medical Treatment
There are several methods for treating COPD, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains. Inhaled medications such as steroids and bronchodilators relax muscles around airways and ease breathing. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program your doctor may recommend; it combines physical exercise with counseling to help you manage COPD.
In very severe cases, patients may need to undergo oxygen therapy to remedy the shortness of breath. The frequency depends on the individual's needs. If unaided breathing is extremely difficult, your doctor may suggest lung surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
COPD patients are advised to make some lifestyle changes, as the National Lung Health Education Program recommends. If you are a smoker, the best thing you can do for your condition is to quit smoking. Other changes include regular physical activity, such as breathing exercises and over-all strengthening and conditioning. It is also good to have regular check-ups with your doctor, even when you are feeling fine. In addition, try to stay away from dust and pollutants, and avoid catching the seasonal flu by taking the necessary precautions.
