Elder Care Little Neck NY
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a scary diagnosis for a loved one to receive. With a few lifestyle changes, though, your elder parent can self-manage COPD for many years.
Keep up with Doctor's Appointments
The most important aspect of helping your loved one to self-manage COPD symptoms is to keep up with those doctor's appointments. Although your loved one may take medications, having regular monitoring of lung function can help your loved one to know when it's time to try additional treatments. This can also help your loved one to avoid infections or to start treating them early, before debilitating symptoms start.
Do Breathing Exercises Regularly
Breathing exercises are essential for people who have COPD. The breathing exercises and techniques that your loved one learns from his doctors and his respiratory therapists can help him to strengthen his lungs and to make breaking easier and more efficient. Your loved one may need to start out slowly with some breathing exercises and build up stamina for them to be effective.
Keep Airways Clear
Some people with COPD have significant trouble with mucus clogging their breathing passages. If this is the case for your loved one, then learning how to keep those passages clear can make a world of difference. Drinking plenty of water can help to thin that mucus so that it doesn't create quite so troublesome an obstruction and your loved one's doctor can show him how to keep his airways clear.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating healthy foods gives your loved one's body the fuel that it needs in order to fight off infections and to keep his lungs and entire body healthier. Aim for plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Your loved one's doctor may recommend a specific diet or even supplements that can help his breathing.
Avoid Air Pollutants
Air pollutants are particularly damaging for someone with COPD, so it's important that your loved one avoids them as much as possible. Smoke, smog, and other types of pollutants don't just smell bad, they can also be a vehicle for germs and bacteria to get into your loved one's lungs. They also irritate the sensitive tissues of your loved one's lungs, potentially leading to more coughing and difficulty bringing in oxygen.
Be sure to let other family members and your loved one's elder care providers know what your loved one is doing to help manage COPD.