Skip to Accessibility Menu Skip to Login Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Woman looking at X check marks crossed off yes no

Having COPD Is Full of Do Not’s

Janet Plank's avatar image

By Janet Plank

3 min read

It seems that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD for short, belongs in a "world of not." This will hopefully make sense once you begin reading. Hopefully, we can have some fun with this.

Not that COPD is fun, but hey, we have to make fun wherever we can find it.

The do not's of COPD

Do not smoke. It is one of the leading causes of COPD

Not all people with COPD smoke or have smoked. Some developed their COPD in the workplace, others from secondhand smoke, and others genetically.

20, 30, and even 40 might seem to be too young to have COPD. That is young, but it does happen. It is not just for people in the 50 or older category.

Because you have been diagnosed with COPD, it does not say that you are supposed to spend more time in bed, it’s important that you remain as active as you can, do discuss this with your doctor.

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Because you take medication that was prescribed by your doctor does not mean that you are a junkie. It means that you are taking care of your body from the inside out.

Be sure to have your pulmonologist, doctor, and even pharmacist go over each of your medications. This means your prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, and even herbal, as well as other things that we take for our health.

We must realize that most things were created for a purpose, and some medications can possibly help other diseases. While many meet FDA approval, herbal medications have not been tested. Remember to mention vitamins, calcium, antacids, and more.

Do not take medications prescribed for others

Do not take diet medications unless prescribed by your doctor. Some medications can affect your heart and more.

Also, do not ever take medication made for an animal. Oxygen is a medication prescribed for each individual. So not take it unless prescribed.

Do not turn your oxygen up higher than prescribed

Please do not take it upon yourself to increase your oxygen. Always get your doctor's approval first.

Do not get upset about canceling plans

At some point, each of us will have to cancel a get-together. Do not let it upset you.

It does happen. Ask others to send pictures.

Do not feel alone

It’s important that you realize that you are not alone. You possibly have family and even friends. They might understand what you are going through, or they might not.

Certainly, you know that we are here for you. Do not ever feel that you have nowhere to turn.

Build memories. Take and have others take photos. Many photos. Do not ever make excuses why you shouldn’t be in the photo. These photos can be available for many generations.

There can be many things that might add stress, anxiety, and even sorrow to your life. This can affect our bodies physically, emotionally, and maybe spiritually.

It’s up to each of us to find ways to cope. Remember, our bodies are our temples. We need to take care of our temples. Do not ignore your body.

Here are a few examples of things you can do:

  • Pursed lip breathing
  • Prayer
  • Yoga
  • Exercise
  • Visualization
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Online puzzles
  • Learn to play the harmonica. That is good for your lungs. Check out music stores. They are likely inexpensive.
  • Games: Mind games that make you think. Card games, sudoku, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles
  • Paint, arts and crafts
  • Pet your pet. Do you have a dog, cat, rabbit, or other?

Can you think of others? List in the comments!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.