Seven tips for minding your COPD

1 Give up smoking. Quitting cigarettes is the most important thing a person can do to improve not only their respiratory disease, but also their general health. For help on quitting, visit quit.ie.

2 Breathe easy. Breathing exercises and chest clearance techniques can help get rid of phlegm. They will also help you to relax more. Pursed lip breathing, or leaning forward, whether sitting or standing, and lying on your side, will also help you to control your breathing.

3 Get active. You may feel that exercise will make you even more breathless, but the less exercise you do, the less you are able to do in general. Exercise, done in a safe and controlled way, is one of the best things you can do to improve your breathlessness, overall fitness and quality of life. You can also join a pulmonary rehabilitation programme under the guidance of health professionals at your nearest hospital – this will help you to exercise safely and to manage your COPD better.

4 Eat well. Try to have a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Eat little and often rather than having big meals. Good nutrition will provide your body with the energy it needs to breathe and build up your immune system to help prevent and fight infection. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are having a flare-up.

5 Know your medications. Talk to your health professional about your medications and how they work. Make sure that you are using the correct inhaler technique and always make sure that you have enough of your medications and that you don’t run out. Have any medical equipment serviced regularly and ensure that masks and mouthpieces are cleaned and changed routinely.

6 Avoid flare-ups. Keep away from smokey environments, pollutants like dust, smog or foggy weather and try to minimise your risk of colds and ’flu – make sure to get the ’flu jab every year. Discuss a COPD selfmanagement plan with your health professional. This will help you to know your symptoms, what’s usual for you and when to start treatment early, alter your medication or seek help, if you feel things are getting worse.

7 Mind your feelings. Living with a long-term illness is not easy and can give rise to anxiety and depression. For help on minding your emotional health, visit copd.ie.