1. See your doctor

When you have breathing problems, the sooner you see a doctor, the better. Chronic bronchitis is often neglected by individuals until it is in an advanced state, because people mistakenly believe that the disease is not life-threatening. By the time the patient goes to his or her doctor, the lungs have frequently been seriously injured, which may put them in danger of developing serious respiratory problems or heart failure.

See your physician at least two times a year for checkups, and ask your doctor about getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects people of all ages, but it occurs more often in those over 45-years-old.

2. Stop smoking

It's the most important thing you can do to help your lungs. Here are some tips on how to start:

• Ask for help from a doctor or nurse. Ask about medications, special gum, or skin patches to help you stop smoking.
• Set a date to quit, and tell family and friends. Ask them to keep cigarettes out of the house. Ask people to smoke away from home or outside.
• Stay away from the places and people that make you want to smoke.
• Keep your hands busy. Try holding a pencil instead of a cigarette.
• When the craving is bad, chew gum, snack on fruits or vegetables, or drink water.
• Think about quitting 1 day at a time. If you start smoking again, keep in mind that some people have to stop many times before they stop forever.

3. Take your medication as instructed

When addressing medication issues, do the following:

• Ask the doctor to write down the name of each medication, how much to take, and when to take it.
• Bring the medications or a list of your medications to each checkup.
• Talk about how your medications make you feel.
• Medication comes in many forms such as inhalers, pills, and syrups. If your doctor tells you to use inhaled medications, you will need to learn to use an inhaler.

4. Seek medical attention immediately

Go immediately to a hospital or your doctor's office if your breathing becomes abnormal or if you see any of these danger signs:

• It is hard to talk or walk.
• Your lips or fingernails turn gray or blue.
• Your heartbeat or pulse is very fast and irregular.
• Your medication does not help for very long or it does not help at all.
• Your breathing is fast and hard.

5. Keep the air clean in your home

Stay away from smoke and other situations that make it hard to breathe:

• Keep smoke, fumes, and strong smells out of the home. If you must have your home painted or sprayed for insects, do it when you can be out of the home until the odors subside.
• Cook in a well-ventilated area.
• If you heat with wood or kerosene, keep a door or window ajar to allow the fumes to escape to help keep the air clean.
• Close the windows and stay at home on days when there is a lot of pollution or dust outside.

6. Keep your body strong

Exercise and eating right can help you manage your condition:

• Walk, exercise regularly, and eat healthy foods.
  • Walking is a good way to start exercising. By walking, you can strengthen the muscles in your arms, legs, and body, and you will be able to move around better.
• Learn breathing exercises.
  • Breathing exercises can help if you have trouble breathing. Exercises can strengthen the muscles you need for breathing.
• Always speak to your doctor first before you start an exercise regimen, and learn about the right regimen for you.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Ask your family to help you buy and prepare healthy foods. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. Eat protein foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and soy.
• If you are short of breath when you eat, slow down and talk less during meals.
• If you are heavy, lose weight. It is harder to breathe and move around if you are heavy.
• If you are too thin, take extra food or special drinks to help you gain weight and stay healthy.
• If you feel full easily, eat smaller meals more often.

7. Make life as easy as possible at home or away from home

Some minor adjustments in your home life can help your condition:

• Ask your friends and family for help and ideas to ease your life at home.
• Do things slowly and seated, if possible. Pick a place where you can enjoy what you need to do and where others can visit with you.
• Find simple ways to cook, clean, and do other chores. Use a small table or cart on wheels to move things around. Use a pole or tongs with long handles to reach things.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes to allow you to breathe easier. Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to put on.
• Try to keep yourself organized so that you can cut down on the number of trips you need to make in a day or the number of times you have to climb stairs. In the kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, put things you need in one place that is easy to reach. Ask people for help.

8. Plan ahead if you want to go out or go away

• Go out during the part of the day when you feel your best. Many people feel best right after they take their medicine. Plan to return home before your next dose of medicine.
• Do not go to stores at a busy time of day. Go to places that do not have a lot of stairs. If you are not having a good day, stay home.
• If you plan to travel far, or will be gone for more than a day, ask the doctor what to bring if you have problems. Bring phone numbers for the doctor and people who can help you. Bring your medications with you.

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• Living With COPD (Coming soon)