One major goal in living well with COPD is to reduce as much as possible further loss of lung function. Another is to manage shortness of breath. A third vital component is to improve physical conditioning and the ability to conduct daily activities. These goals are achievable-of course, expectations vary with the severity of the disease. However, even very impaired individuals can make some progress.
You, as the individual with lung disease, have the primary responsibility for making positive changes in your life; some of these changes may require considerable motivation and effort on your part. Some positive steps include: quitting smoking, learning more about COPD and keeping up-to-date on treatments, learning and using breathing techniques, engaging in a regular exercise program, establishing good communications with your pulmonary specialist or other physician, avoiding infections and having an aggressive care plan when they do occur, eating a well-balanced and varied diet, managing stress, and pacing and prioritizing activities. You must decide that you want to be in control of your life for any of these measures to work.
COPD is not just a lung disease; it can affect other body systems as well as one's psychological and social status. While lung damage due to COPD cannot currently be undone, much can be done to reduce some of these other effects and to improve quality of life.
