Tips for Managing COPD

By Barbara Moore

2 min read

Having a chronic illness like COPD is not easy. When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. I can see you all nodding your heads in agreement. Our lives are not like other peoples', we must take special precautions and perform self-care on a regular basis. Here are 5 tips for managing ourselves with COPD.

How and what to eat

Eat 6 to 8 small meals per day. Keep it light with lots of greens from salads to light fish and lean meats. Potatoes with skins on add a bit of potassium to your diet but they should be the smallest portion of your meal. Try your best to keep carbs to a minimum. No point in consuming empty calories. We need lots of vitamins and minerals from good food sources to keep our heart and lungs strong. If our stomach is too full, we will have a harder time breathing.

A body in motion stays in motion

A body in motion stays in motion. A body at rest stays at rest. Exercise 5 to 6 times weekly and take a reward off-day once a week. We should begin with stretching lightly and building up resistance. Bands are great for this exercise. Remember that we must exercise each part of our body including our feet, legs, arms, upper body, and neck. Do not forget about breathing and abdominal deep breathing exercises daily. Practicing going up and down the stairs is also a good idea a few times a week. Once we stop doing something, we may never be able to do it again. Always use pursed-lip breathing.

No room for negativity

Work hard to keep your thoughts positive. There is no room for being negative or allowing negative thoughts to take up headspace. Turn negative thoughts into positive affirmations. Find something to be grateful for. Gratitude helps you be in a better mood. Before I get out of bed, I decide what I am grateful for. Sometimes it is as simple as the singing birds that wake me for another day. Practice mindfulness and learn to stay in the moment.

Use the tools you have been given

When times get tough, remember to use the tools you have been given. Supplemental 02 helps your heart and lungs to stay strong and to curb your shortness of breath. Your walker is there to help support your upper body when you are short of breath. It is also a great way to carry stuff from place to place. The COPD medications that your doctor prescribed are there to keep you strong and level your breathing. Use meditation and mindfulness to stay in the moment and to help pace yourself.

Make the effort to connect

The people you surround yourself with is important. Keep in touch with old friends via phone or text. Make the effort to talk to one or two a week. Find a caregiver who can show compassion. Make new friends by joining an online support group for COPD. You will learn lots by just talking to others who have the same issues as you do. That is how we learn the tips and tricks of managing COPD that our doctors don't tell us.

What other things would you have added to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.

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.

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luther Member
That’s great advice thanks
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, luther - so glad to hear this article, by our own Barbara Moore, was so helpful for you. I am sure Barbara will be gratified to read your comment once she sees it. Thanks for your feedback! Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Barbara Moore Moderator
 Thank you Luther, i appreciate your comment here saying how much you liked this article. Barbara Moore (site moderator/author)
curso Member
THANK YOU BARBARA FOR YOUR WONDERFUL TIPS OF EXPIRENCES HELPS AND GUIDES ME. ALSO, I WOULD JUST LIKE TO ADD AND ASK FOR SOME TIPS ON ALWAYS BEING MINDFUL WHILE BEING BUSY, PREOCCUPPIED I FOREGET TO BE MINDFUL OF MY SURROUNDINGS AND WHATS AROUND THE NEXT CORNER. THE AIR QUALITY, SMELLS , TEMPERATURE CHANGE AND IN THAT INSTANT , I FIND MYSELF OVERWHELM AND HAVING AN EPISODE WITH A SORTNESS OF BREATH AND UNABLE TO CATCH MY BREATH. I THINK SOMETIMES NOW THAT IM RETIRED MY MIND IS RETIRED AFTER WORKING A VERY LONG, LONG TIME IN A STRESSFUL JOB. I LIKE BEING ON THE LIGHTSIDE WITH MY SITUATIONS . TIPS ANYONE! ,
1. Barbara Moore Moderator
 I think being Mindful is a really hard but valuable tool for your mental health. I find that for me, it takes a lot of talking to myself, pacing and planning. I hope you find a better mindful solution. Barbara Moore (site moderator author)
zazoopits Member
Thanks for these great words its hard for me to believe that I have cold I have dealt with other health worries but just can't about food Zazoopits
1. Barbara Moore Moderator
 Thanks for popping in with your comments. Barbara Moore (site moderator author)
awesome Member
Awesome, I have been going outside when weather is good , also going up and down stairs outside. Walked to my laundry room which is outside ! But then have trouble breathing to get clothes out! Hope everyone has a good day
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="2478696" username="awesome"/> , and thank you for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate you sharing different aspects of how you are managing this condition. We are grateful for your input and your feedback. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Barbara Moore Moderator
 Hi Awesome, you are doing a great job with your exercise schedule. Getting to the laundry room is a chore in itself. I wondering if you have a place to rest, like a chair or stood, once in the laundry room and before you touch your laundry. You might try resting until you catch your breath and then moveling on to the laundry. I learned this technique at Resp Rehab. Barbara Moore (site moderator and author)
whirledpeas Member
I have a long list of text-buddies who check in on each other--neighbors, old friends, my daughters, a niece, and my four siblings. Although some of them think they're checking in on me, the truth is they're more isolated, and sometimes need cheering more than I do. I have very severe emphysema, so moving around is not a picnic for me, but I have always been busy, and I make it work. I was the happy recipient of a Zephyr Valve procedure almost a year ago, and it has made use of supplemental oxygen less important, most of the time. I also feel better when I'm busy. As a long-time quilter, I can still run my sewing machine. Using it makes me go up and down stairs to my basement sewing room. I have found I can still do many things that don't require much walking. I can stand or sit for long enough to cut, sew, or press. And I have a new or rekindled love: dollhouses. The furniture is so tiny and perfect. Having stored our younger daughter's grand dollhouse in the garage since she went to college, eventually the time came for us to present it to her daughter as she was turning six. That meant some refurbishment, furniture repair, and fixing shingles. in the two week process, I remembered how much I enjoyed the work when our daughter was small. We picked out and installed carpet, wallpaper, paint, woodwork (which also needed staining) and all the other little details. My granddaughter loved it! I shortly ordered a kit to build for our other daughter's girls, since her mother's dollhouse hadn't survived our move fifteen years ago. Building the kit may be a challenge, but my darling husband has agreed to help with the heavy stuff. Before I could get started on the kit, a friend of my husband's offered one he needed to remove from his garage, same story. I jumped at the chance! Pretty soon, in came a wonderful old three-story farmhouse from the seventies. And, look at that! It needs new wallpaper and carpeting, and the attic has never even been painted. I have furnished it with a few things, but the project has to wait till I get the girls' kit done. So I have plenty to keep me busy. Most of it, such as removing wallpaper, and painting with no VOC hobby paint, is not too difficult. Anyone else a dollhouse lover?
1. Barbara Moore Moderator
 I am a dollhouse lover. Loved them since I was a little girl. We bought a beautiful Victorian for our daughter but she never played with it! It sounds like you have lots to keep you busy and happy. Good for you. I think a hobby is very important to our mental health. Keep upkeeping up. Barbara Moore (site moderator and author)
2. whirledpeas Member
 I love miniatures! Trying to make my "new" dollhouse, its furnishings and household items, realistic-looking. I do think hobbies, staying active and busy, get me more energy and better spirits. There is still a lot I can do. And so many people are much worse off.
whirledpeas Member
look at that! It needs new wallpaper and carpeting, and the attic has never even been painted. I have furnished it with a few things, but the project have a long list of text-buddies who check in on each other--neighbors, old friends, my daughters, a niece, and my four siblings. Although some of them think they're checking in on me, the truth is they're more isolated, and sometimes need cheering more than I do. I have very severe emphysema, so moving around is not a picnic for me, but I have always been busy, and I make it work. I was the happy recipient of a Zephyr Valve procedure almost a year ago, and it has made use of supplemental oxygen less important, most of the time. I also feel better when I'm busy. As a long-time quilter, I can still run my sewing machine. Using it makes me go up and down stairs to my basement sewing room. I have found I can still do many things that don't require much walking. I can stand or sit for long enough to cut, sew, or press. And I have a new or rekindled love: dollhouses. The furniture is so tiny and perfect. Having stored our younger daughter's grand dollhouse in the garage since she went to college, eventually the time came for us to present it to her daughter as she was turning six. That meant some refurbishment, furniture repair, and fixing shingles. in the two week process, I remembered how much I enjoyed the work when our daughter was small. We picked out and installed carpet, wallpaper, paint, woodwork (which also needed staining) and all the other little details. My granddaughter loved it! I shortly ordered a kit to build for our other daughter's girls, since her mother's dollhouse hadn't survived our move fifteen years ago. Building the kit may be a challenge, but my darling husband has agreed to help with the heavy stuff. Before I could get started on the kit, a friend of my husband's offered one he needed to remove from his garage, same story. I jumped at the chance! Pretty soon, in came a wonderful old three-story farmhouse from the seventies. And, ct has to wait till I get the girls' kit done. So I have plenty to keep me busy. Most of it, such as removing wallpaper, and painting with no VOC hobby paint, is not too difficult. Anyone else a dollhouse lover?
1. whirledpeas Member
 Sorry, the above is a duplicate post.
whirledpeas Member
I have a long list of text-buddies who check in on each other--neighbors, old friends, my daughters, a niece, and my four siblings. Although some of them think they're checking in on me, the truth is they're more isolated, and sometimes need cheering more than I do. I have very severe emphysema, so moving around is not a picnic for me, but I have always been busy, and I make it work. I was the happy recipient of a Zephyr Valve procedure almost a year ago, and it has made use of supplemental oxygen less important, most of the time. I also feel better when I'm busy. As a long-time quilter, I can still run my sewing machine. Using it makes me go up and down stairs to my basement sewing room. I have found I can still do many things that don't require much walking. I can stand or sit for long enough to cut, sew, or press. And I have a new or rekindled love: dollhouses. The furniture is so tiny and perfect. Having stored our younger daughter's grand dollhouse in the garage since she went to college, eventually the time came for us to present it to her daughter as she was turning six. That meant some refurbishment, furniture repair, and fixing shingles. in the two week process, I remembered how much I enjoyed the work when our daughter was small. We picked out and installed carpet, wallpaper, paint, woodwork (which also needed staining) and all the other little details. My granddaughter loved it! I shortly ordered a kit to build for our other daughter's girls, since her mother's dollhouse hadn't survived our move fifteen years ago. Building the kit may be a challenge, but my darling husband has agreed to help with the heavy stuff. Before I could get started on the kit, a friend of my husband's offered one he needed to remove from his garage, same story. I jumped at the chance! Pretty soon, in came a wonderful old three-story farmhouse from the seventies. And, ct has to wait till I get the girls' kit done. So I have plenty to keep me busy. Most of it, such as removing wallpaper, and painting with no VOC hobby paint, is not too difficult. Anyone else a dollhouse lover?
jerseyboy Member
i am suffering from copd when i get up i am light headedness and dizzy then it stops then when i go food shopping and been walking around for a while i start to get dizzy and cant catch my breath and have to use my <a href='http://inhaler.in' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>inhaler.in</a> the past i was a chain smoker with my marlboro cigerettes i would smoke one after the <a href='http://other.for' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>other.for</a> almost 15 years then i stopped cold turkey. when my heart dr told me if i didnt stop i would not see my children grow up having a very hard time with my copd lately. is there anything i can take for the copd the inhaler dt help r the meklizine for <a href='http://dizzyness.need' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>dizzyness.need</a> advice fast plus i suffer from stage 3 chronic kidney disease and multiple sclorsis.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="2441346" username="jerseyboy"/> , and thanks for your post. While we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), your comment certainly warrants a reply. I see my colleague, Barbara, has already responded to your concerns and, I hope you have a chance to look over her comments to you. You have shared with the community here, that you have a diagnosis of COPD, chronic kidney disease and multiple sclerosis. Some of the symptoms you've described might be attributed to any of those three co-existing conditions. They may also be indicative of still other medical issues. Since you've been experiencing these symptoms (light headedness, difficulty breathing, and dizziness, have you had an opportunity to reach out for your physician? Since you have stated that you 'need help fast', you may want to reach out to your doctor - probably as soon as you can. Alternatively, if your physician is not available to you, would you consider going to an emergency department at your local hospital. Either way, it sounds like you may want to take action quickly, based on what you've said here. Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Barbara Moore Moderator
 @Tlee You are correct. I went a long time before I used supplemental oxygen. I really pushed myself and that caused heart failure. I am sure I must of wrote about this at some time. As we all know, COPD rarely strikes only our lungs but other internal organs. My heart failure is well documented. Thanks for letting us know that this article resonated with you. Barbara Moore (site moderator and author)
Smoke up Member
I'm glad for any help .Doctors aren't always helpful.!
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="Smoke up" user-id="2484049"/> Hi again, 
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, @smoke up, and thanks for expressing your specific concern. I see my colleague, @Barbara Moore, already responded. I wanted to add that in my experience managing patients in the home setting using oxygen - many have found a small oxygen cylinder is better for them while in the bathroom/shower. Quite simply, the oxygen cylinder is more mobile and provides them easy access without having to use long lengths of oxygen tubing while in the shower. Of course, this can vary from patient to patient. You may want to give it a try and see if it is an improvement over what you are now doing. What do you thinK? Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
beverlydemarco Member
HI BARBARA MOORE, EVERYDAY I GET ON MY TABLET TO THE COPD WEB PAGE TO SEE YOUR ARTICLES, WE ARE TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AS A MODERATOR, I CAN RELATE TO SO MANY THINGS YOU HAVE POSTED, THE MORNINGS ARE THE WORST FOR ME GETTING OUT OF BED AND GETTING DRESSED AND MAKING SOME SMALL BREAKFAST TO GET MY DAY STARTED. SOMETIMES I JUST HAVE COFFEE AND RAISON TOAST, BUT I KNOW I HAVE TO EAT MORE TO GET SOME ENERGY FOR EXERCISEING, I AM DOWN TO 104 LBS AND I USE TO BE 125 LBS WHEN I WAS WORKING TWO YEARS AGO, I HAD TO GIVE UP WORKING BECAUSE I WAS SO OUT OF BREATHE, I WAS A WAITRESS FOR I.H.O.P. FOR OVER 32 YEARS AT THE SAME RESTAURANT, I WORKED IN THE SMOKING SECTION TOO WHICH DIDNT HELP MY BREATHING. I LOST MOST OF MY FRIENDS BECAUSE THEY WERE STILL SOME SMOKERS AND I COULDNT GO OUT TO EAT WITH THEM ANYMORE BECAUSE I HAD TO BE ON OXYGEN. SOME OF THEM CALL ME BUT I REALLY MISS BEING WITH THEM. EACH DAY IS A CHALLENGE FOR ME AND THANK GOD I HAVE MY SISTER AND MY TWO SONS CLOSE BY THAT I CAN RELATE TOO. THEY DO SO MUCH FOR ME, SOMEDAYS I GET SO DEPRESSED BECAUSE I CANT DO THINGS. I REALLY ENJOY ALL YOUR POST AND COMMENTS AND YOU HAVE COPD ALSO , SO YOU KNOW WHY WE FEEL SO HELPLESS. THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE FOR US ON THE COPD WEB SITE. SINCERELY BEVERLY DEMARCO 
1. johnmarshall Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="beverlydemarco" user-id="2407285"/> Thank you for these kind and inspirational words. I completely agree that <inline-mention username="Barbara Moore" user-id="2412663"/> is a wonderful writer and such a valuable member of our community. Thanks again for stopping by and have a wonderful rest of the day. - John M. (COPD.net Team)
2. Barbara Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="beverlydemarco" user-id="2407285"/> thank so much for your kind words. Because I too have COPD, I do write from the heart. I too, had to give up a job I loved, lost my independence and my income. I have lost many 'friends' due to my disability, but he family and friends that stayed with me suffice. Thank you again for commenting. Your kind words are appreciated and motivate me to move forward. Barbara Moore (site moderator and author)
ann81 Member
The weather affects my <a href='http://COPD.The' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>COPD.The</a> <a href='http://humidity.Would' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>humidity.Would</a> a de-humidifier help 
1. Barbara Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="ann81" user-id="2401374"/> it is hard to say. It all depends on your area. Optimal humidity is 40%. If your humidy is higher or lower a humidifier or dehumidifier could help. You should talk to your doctor. I keep a journal of the tempuratures and humidity and how it affects me and show my doctor. Hope this helps. Barbara Moore (site moderator and author)
waylev43 Member
Hi. This is my first time posting on this forum, but I am an avid reader. This problem may have already been addressed. I was diagnosed with COPD in 2007 and quit smoking in 2009. I am disabled (from another condition) and my only source of income is SSD. My COPD has progressively been getting worse in the years since. My problem is that every medication that my doctor has prescribed to manage my symptoms is not covered by Medicare or my prescription drug plan, so I am responsible for paying the full price, roughly $400 give or take, with no end in sight because big pharma renews the copyright just before it expires so generics will not become available. $400 is approximately 30% of my monthly income so I cannot purchase it, given my other living expenses. I am living from hand to mouth, but I am in that little area where I do not qualify for other government health programs (one person household, owned home, etc.). As a result I can only afford generic albuterol which alleviates my symptoms and does not manage them. My doctor is very generous and provides me with samples of "the good stuff" when I visit him.(Spiriva, Brevistri, Trelegy, etc.), but due to the risk of seizures brought about by my other condition, I am unable to drive and see him when my samples run out. I live in a rural area and am dependent upon others to bring me to town. My doctor once gave me a coupon for $100 off, but of course Medicare does not honor it. Does anybody have the same problem? I am at my wits end. I am even considering foreign pharmacies despite the warnings that the drug I will buy are knockoffs, I may be ripped off, the feds may arrest me, or even death. What other recourse do I have?
1. Barbara Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="waylev43" user-id="2480444"/> I am a Canadian so I truly can not answer your question. I have heard that some people cintact the manufacturer to get free samples. Start a new thread and ask your question there. Thanks for commenting. Barbara Moore (site moderator and author)
2. jess943 Member
 <inline-mention username="waylev43" user-id="2480444"/> Hi there! When I run into that problem ask the doctor for a prior authorization on the drug you need if not covered by your insurance. The result is almost always positive. Hope this helps.

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