If you are addicted to tobacco, then you may have much more success in stopping smoking by looking into over-the-counter or prescription cessation medications. You can also make other lifestyle changes that help break your mental addiction to smoking. Find other information about smoking cessation at How to Quit Smoking. Ensure that you change your furnace and air conditioner filters regularly to help reduce irritants in your home as well. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Don’t push yourself too hard at first since the exercise will make it even harder for you to breathe, especially initially before you begin increasing your lung capacity.
Some people living with emphysema have found that diets with more monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats (the “good” fats) and fewer carbohydrates make it easier to breathe. See a professional dietician before attempting to later your diet in this way. You can find more information on developing better eating habits at How to Eat Healthy.
You may also consider wearing a face mask when exposed to large groups of people during cold and flu season to help reduce your risk of infection. The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of 65 and for those who are younger with risk factors that increase their likelihood of getting the infection. Flu shots are approved for use in people as young as six months and up. You will need to get a flu shot every season.
The local chapter of the American Lung Association in your area will also have information regarding support groups.
Bronchodilators — Bronchodilators work by dilating your airway muscles, causing them to open and allow more oxygen. This decreases wheezing. There are both short and long acting bronchodilators. Both beta agonist and anticholinergic medications are utilized. Examples include Albuterol, Xopenex, and Atrovent. [13] X Research source Ann Everson, Management of COPD Exacerbations 2010 1 8 (5) 6-7-613 Inhaled Corticosteroids — These work by decreasing the inflammation involved with COPD to help relieve shortness of breath. Studies have shown that inhaled glucocorticoids reduce exacerbations and modestly decrease the progression of respiratory symptoms. Combination treatment with bronchodilators and corticosteroids significantly improves response to therapy and improves outcomes. Examples are Pulmicort (budesonide), Flovent (fluticasone), Aerobid (flunisolide), and Asmanex (mometasone). [14] X Research source Medscape: Inhaled corticosteroids for treatment of COPD. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Mucolytics — These drugs (such as Mucomyst) thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. This helps reduce flare ups. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Oral Steroids — These options work systemically to decrease the inflammation on a systemic level. They are useful in treating COPD exacerbation (flare up complications triggered by pollutants, respiratory infections, etc. ), making them an acute option rather than part of your normal regimen. [17] X Research source Ann Everson, Management of COPD Exacerbations 2010 1 8 (5) 6-7-613 For stubborn inflammation, oral theophylline and PDE-4 inhibitors may be used.
Breathing techniques include exhaling through pursed lips to slow your breathing and keep your airways open for a longer duration, as well as diaphragmatic (belly) breathing to help strengthen your diaphragm. [19] X Research source Pulmonary rehab has a cascading effect as well since it helps you maintain an aerobic exercise regimen that will also slow the progression of the condition. [20] X Research source
Those with late-stage emphysema often have trouble maintaining an ideal weight due to becoming underweight, so nutrition therapy services are designed to help with both ends of the spectrum.
For most patients, you will aim for an oxygen saturation of 88–92%. [24] X Research source While late stage patients use a supplemental oxygen delivery system twenty-four hours a day, this isn’t the only purpose. Your doctor may simply prescribe a system for you to wear while you run on the treadmill to ensure that you’re maintaining an exercise routine. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Lung-volume reduction surgery (LVRS) — During this procedure, your surgeon will remove small wedges of your damaged lung to help your healthier lung tissue expand and work more effectively. A bullectomy is a similar type of surgery that removes only the malformed tissue structures called “bullae. ” Lung transplant — Some candidates may qualify for a place on a lung transplant list; however, lung transplants require meeting a range of criteria, not limited to the availability of a lung donor. [27] X Trustworthy Source University of California San Francisco Health Center Research hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resources Go to source
