COPD RESOURCES

Woman standing with her hand on her hip

If you are living with COPD or caring for those living with COPD, you may have questions or seek guidance for management of everyday hurdles. Here are some helpful tips and resources that may ensure that your daily life remains manageable. 

For those living with COPD

One of the best ways to manage your COPD is to know what could make your COPD symptoms worsen and what resources are available to you. 

KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS

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Air Quality 

  • Avoid smoky areas at work, while traveling and at home, including smoke from grills and campfires. 
  • Limit your time outside in places with high levels of pollution. 
  • Travel with a mask to avoid germs. 
  • Stay away when painting or exterminating is being done in your home.
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Lifestyle

  • Light exercise, such as a short easy walk, is good for you. But if you feel winded, stop immediately. 
  • Try eating smaller meals throughout the day to avoid feeling full, which may make it harder to breathe.
  • Arrange your home so that the things you need are within easy reach.
  • Try to go to sleep at the same time each night.
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Seasonal Changes

  • In summer and winter, be mindful of how much time you spend outdoors.
  • Cool weather can be irritating—wearing a scarf over your nose and mouth will limit cold-air exposure in your airways.
  • In winter, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth helps to warm and humidify air before it enters your lungs. 

3-STEP BREATHING EXERCISE

This easy pursed-lip breathing exercise can help you relax by slowing the pace of your breathing; making each breath more effective. It allows air that was trapped in the lungs to move out so that new air can enter the lungs. Repeat it as often as needed. 

Pursed lip breathing technique - step one: inhale

1. Inhale

Breathe in slowly through your nose using either a normal breath or a deep one—whichever is most comfortable. 

Pursed lip breathing technique - step two: pursed-lip pose

2. Purse your lips

Purse or pucker your lips together as if you’re blowing out a candle.  

Pursed lip breathing technique -  step three: exhale

3. Exhale

Breathe out through your pursed lips gently and slowly. 

TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOUR TREATMENT ON TRACK

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Here are some tips to help you keep up with your treatment plan and stay on treatment.

  • Make your treatment a daily ritual—take your medication at the same time every day. 
  • Refill reminders—set up auto-refill with your pharmacy.
  • Stress-free travel—keep your medication in your carry-on luggage, and bring a copy of your prescription with you in case you need it.
  • Talk to your doctor—review any questions or concerns you have that you want to discuss at your next doctor’s visit. 
  • Enlist your family and friends—they can help manage your appointments, prescription pickups, and additional tasks if needed. 

Helpful links for patients:

American Lung Association

Offers information about lung health education and research, as well as programs and services for people living with conditions such as COPD.

COPD Foundation

This not-for-profit organization supports research, education, and advocacy programs. Its website offers an online community for patients and caregivers affected by COPD, as well as information about the disease and a calendar of relevant events.

National Emphysema Foundation

Provides regular news updates and information about research and treatments related to emphysema and COPD. Its archives include articles about prevention, living with COPD, and healthy habits.

U.S. COPD Coalition

This nonprofit organization brings together patient foundations and organizations, health professional organizations, individuals, and government agencies to work in a unified manner to promote the interests of individuals affected by COPD. 

For caregivers

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Learn how you can make your help go even further. 

  • Always ask—asking how you can help lets your loved one know you care, and it allows them to tell you directly the best way you can help. 
  • Take the time to just listen—sometimes a compassionate ear is the best way to help. 
  • Learn more about COPD—understanding their condition helps them feel supported while helping you recognize important signs and symptoms that may signal COPD progression. 
  • Adherence—help keep them on track with their treatment regimens. 
  • Pay attention to your well-being—taking time for self-care, including eating healthy and resting well, means you’ll be that much better equipped to help out when needed. 

Helpful links for caregivers:

Caregiver.com

Provides help and support for caregivers and caregiving-related issues. 

Family Caregiver Alliance

Offers support, information, and tools for caregivers. 

Lotsa Helping Hands

Connects caregivers with volunteers available to help. 

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TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

Ready to talk to your doctor about treating your symptoms with ANORO? Follow this helpful guide for questions and tips.

Learn what to ask