COPD Health Center

COPD can be managed, although it cannot be cured at this time. When you manage COPD, you:

• Quit smoking.
• Take steps to improve your ability to breathe.
• Eat well and stay active.
• Learn all you can about COPD.
• Get support from your family and friends.

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking is the most important step you can take to prevent or slow damage to your lungs-it is never too late to stop smoking.

There are clear benefits to quitting, even after years of smoking. When you stop smoking, you slow down the damage to your lungs. For most people who quit, loss of lung function is slowed to the same rate as a nonsmoker's.

Although lung damage that already has occurred does not reverse, quitting smoking can slow down how quickly your COPD symptoms get worse.

You may think that nothing can help you quit, but today there are several treatments shown to be very good at helping people stop smoking. They include:

• Nicotine replacement therapy.
• The medicines bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin) and varenicline (Chantix).
• Support groups.

You will double your chances of quitting even if medicine is the only treatment you use to quit, but your odds get even better when you combine medicine and other quit strategies, such as counseling.¹

For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Avoid shortness of breath

Do all you can to make breathing easier.

• Avoid conditions that may irritate your lungs, such as indoor and outdoor air pollution, smog, cold dry air, hot humid air, or high altitudes.

  COPD: Avoiding Your Triggers

• Take rest breaks. Schedule short rest breaks during household chores and other activities. An occupational or physical therapist can help you find ways to do everyday activities with less effort.
• Stay as active as possible, and get regular exercise. Try to do activities and exercises that build muscle strength and help your cardiovascular system .

  COPD: Using Exercise to Feel Better

• Learn breath training techniques to improve airflow in and out of your lungs.

  COPD: Learning to Breathe Easier

  Breathing Exercises: How to Use a Manual Incentive Spirometer

• Learn ways to clear your lungs that can help you save energy and oxygen.

  COPD: Clearing Your Lungs

• Discuss pulmonary rehabilitation with your doctor.
• Take the medicines prescribed by your doctor. If you use a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), be sure you know how to use it properly.

  Breathing Problems: Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler

Eat well