Medically reviewed by Kristin Crawford, RN

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term many have heard, but few fully understand. The full definition may offer more insight into this broad disease term:

 

• Chronic: It's a long-term condition that won't go away.
• Obstructive: It makes it hard for air to flow in and out.
• Pulmonary: It affects many parts of the respiratory system.
• Disease: It's a serious disease that needs treatment.

 

In the United States, COPD often refers to two main lung conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the airways, causing them to thicken and produce excess mucus. Emphysema damages the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to lose their elasticity, which makes it difficult to exhale.

 

Living with COPD: Management and support

 

While there's no cure for COPD, there are many ways to manage the condition and improve your quality of life.

 

• COPD medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help control your symptoms. Bronchodilators help relax the muscles around the airways, helping to open them up. Inhaled steroids help prevent inflammation in the airways.
• Oxygen therapy: This provides your body with supplemental oxygen to help you function normally. Your healthcare team will determine which activities require it, how much you need, how many hours per day you should use it, and the type of oxygen therapy system that is best for you.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: This is a comprehensive program designed to help you breathe better and improve your overall quality of life. This type of program may include education about COPD, suggested exercises, nutrition counseling, breathing techniques, and emotional support.

 

Healthy habits for COPD

 

While following healthy lifestyle habits can’t reverse COPD, they may help improve symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Here’s what to know about practicing healthy habits if you or someone you love is living with COPD.

 

• Nutrition: The right mix of nutrients can help you breathe easier. Consider consulting a registered dietitian.
• Exercise: Exercise can change the way you feel, breathe, and function. Start slowly and gradually increase your activity level.
• Stress management: Managing stress and your mood is crucial, as people with COPD are at increased risk for depression and anxiety.

 

It’s important to consult your healthcare provider or doctor before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.

 

Avoiding triggers and protecting your health

 

Minimizing exposure to triggers and protecting yourself from respiratory infections are essential for managing COPD. Common triggers include smoke, industrial compounds, and pollution. Protect your health by washing your hands often, avoiding crowds during peak flu season, and staying up to date on the vaccinations.

 

Working with your healthcare team

 

Collaborating with your healthcare team to develop an action plan is crucial for managing COPD effectively. Your action plan should include the following key steps so you’re better prepared:

 

1.      Plan for what to do when your symptoms worsen.

2.      Explain how to take your medications correctly.

3.      Ensure you stay up to date with important tests.

4.      Detail what to do in an emergency situation.

 

An action plan can typically be divided into 3 zones that correspond to how you’re feeling at that time.

 

• Green zone: Feeling your best with no COPD symptoms.
• Yellow zone: Experiencing more COPD symptoms than usual.
• Red zone: Severe COPD symptoms with difficulty doing any activities.

 

Creating Healthy Goals with the SMART Framework

 

Setting healthy goals can significantly improve your journey in managing COPD. The SMART framework is a useful tool for creating effective goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

 

• Specific: Define the goal clearly. For instance, rather than saying "I want to exercise more," specify "I want to walk for 30 minutes every day."
• Measurable: Ensure that you can track your progress. For example, "I will track my walking time using a fitness app."
• Achievable: Set a realistic goal that is attainable. Instead of aiming to walk for two hours daily, aim for a more manageable time.
• Relevant: Make sure the goal aligns with your overall health objectives. For example, "Walking will help improve my lung capacity."
• Time-bound: Set a deadline to achieve your goal. For instance, "I will walk daily for the next month."

 

By utilizing the SMART framework, you can create clear, actionable goals that support your health journey.

 

By understanding COPD and taking proactive steps to manage the condition, you can live a fuller, more active life. Begin by reflecting on your internal values and overall well-being, including your mental, physical, and social state. Then, create healthy goals that follow a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) framework. For example, you might set a goal to "walk for 30 minutes, five days a week for the next month." Soon, you’ll gain more confidence about living better with COPD.

 

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

 

• “Learn about COPD,” American Lung Association, last accessed March 17, 2025, https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/learn-about-copd
• “What is COPD,” National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, last accessed March 17, 2025, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/
• “What is COPD,” COPD Foundation, last accessed March 17, 2025, https://www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/What-is-COPD.aspx
• “COPD Managing Stress and Your Mood,” National Library of Medicine, last accessed March 17, 2025, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000700.htm
• “7 Foods to Avoid with COPD,” Everyday Health, last accessed March 17, 2025, https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/copd/triggers/