11/03/2025
November is COPD awareness month and living with COPD can feel like a constant climb. But there are simple things you can do to live better. Talk to your doctor, and start with these 6 tips:
1. Prevent illness. COPD makes you more likely to get respiratory (lung) infections like colds, the flu or pneumonia. These can affect your breathing and seriously hurt your lungs. Be sure to wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs. Stay up to date on COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Talk to your provider about the pneumococcal and RSV vaccines.
2. Avoid smoke. Breathing in smoke can make your COPD symptoms worse. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting, and don't let anyone smoke near you. Avoid wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves.
3. Clear your airways. With COPD, the extra mucus in your lungs can clog your airways and make breathing harder. Drinking water can help thin the mucus so it’s easier to cough out. Ask your doctor about special ways to cough and lie down that can help bring up mucus. And ask if a mucus clearing device might be right for you.
4. Exercise carefully. Regular exercise strengthens your breathing muscles, improves your energy levels and reduces shortness of breath. Stretching, aerobic exercises (running, biking) and resistance training (lifting weights) can all be helpful, but it’s important to pace yourself. Switch between periods of light activity and rest. Ask about pulmonary rehab and talk to your doctor before you start any exercise routine.
5. Get support. COPD can be tough to deal with, but leaning on your loved ones can help. If you feel anxious or depressed, ask your doctor about seeing a counselor. To find a support group, visit lung.org/help-support.
6. Prepare for emergencies. COPD symptoms can suddenly get worse. Keep phone numbers for your doctors and an emergency contact with you. Always get help right away if you can’t catch your breath.
COPD can be managed, and we are here to help you live better.
GCHD 509.843.1591
POMEROY MEDICAL CLINIC 509.843.1491
