How to breathe easier with COPD: Effective strategies

Summary: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing difficult, but various effective strategies can help manage symptoms. Key strategies include quitting smoking, avoiding airborne irritants, and correctly following prescribed treatment plans. Breathing exercises such as pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing can improve airflow. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy body weight also support better lung function. Preventing infections through vaccinations and hygiene, along with addressing stress and emotional well-being, further assists in easing respiratory difficulties. According to Dr Lau, registered GP in Australia, with appropriate medical care and lifestyle changes, people with COPD can often experience improved symptom control and enhanced daily functioning.  

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disorder that makes breathing difficult due to restricted airflow and lung tissue damage. In Australia, around 638,000 people, about 2.5% of the population, were estimated to be living with COPD in 2022. Although it can significantly affect everyday life, there are many effective strategies to manage symptoms and improve breathing, allowing those impacted to lead more active and comfortable lives. 

Why does breathing become difficult with COPD?

Importance of symptom management for quality of life

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Benefits of daily breathing exercises

• Pursed-lip breathing consists of inhaling slowly through your nose and gently exhaling through pursed lips (similar to blowing out a candle). This method helps slow down your breathing, keeps the airways open for a longer duration, and aids in releasing trapped air from the lungs. 
• Diaphragmatic breathing (also known as belly breathing) emphasises using your diaphragm instead of your chest to take deeper breaths. You should place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen, and inhale so that your belly rises more than your chest. 

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How to stay active with pulmonary rehabilitation

• Begin with gentle, guided exercises such as walking, cycling, or stretching. 
• Incorporate breathing techniques (such as pursed-lip or diaphragmatic breathing) during physical activity. 
• Adhere to a structured pulmonary rehabilitation program supervised by healthcare professionals. 
• Gradually increase your level of activity based on comfort and medical recommendations. 
• Learn to pace yourself and take breaks to prevent overexertion. 
• Emphasise consistency over intensity. 
• Maintain proper posture to facilitate better breathing. 
• Include basic strength training exercises to enhance endurance. 
• Monitor your progress to stay encouraged. 

Importance of light exercise in improving lung function

According to our medical expert- Dr Lau, while exercise does not reverse lung damage in COPD, it strengthens respiratory muscles and improves cardiovascular fitness, helping to reduce the sensation of breathlessness.  

Gentle exercise is vital for enhancing lung health, particularly for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Activities like walking, gentle cycling, and stretching help to strengthen the muscles involved in respiration. When these muscles are stronger, your lungs work less hard, which alleviates feelings of breathlessness and fatigue. Moreover, regular physical activity improves circulation, increases oxygen distribution throughout the body, and enhances energy levels. It also promotes better breath control and boosts overall stamina, making routine tasks, such as climbing stairs or running errands, much less exhausting and easier to perform. Starting with light, regular exercise is generally more effective and sustainable than engaging in intense workouts for those managing lung issues. 

What is pulmonary rehab, and how does it work

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically guided program designed to help individuals with chronic lung diseases improve their breathing and engage in more active lifestyles. It generally involves a team of healthcare specialists, including doctors, respiratory therapists, and physiotherapists, who develop a personalised treatment plan. 

The program includes supervised exercise sessions to enhance physical fitness, breathing techniques like diaphragmatic or pursed-lip breathing to alleviate breathlessness, and education on lung health, nutrition, and symptom management. Emotional support and counselling are also provided to help reduce anxiety or depression that often accompany chronic illnesses. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation is structured to gradually increase your strength and endurance in a safe, monitored environment. Over time, it can help decrease hospital admissions, enhance quality of life, and restore confidence in managing everyday activities. 

Create a COPD-friendly home environment

• Minimise triggers: Ensure your home is free from typical irritants such as dust, smoke, and strong odours. Avoid using scented candles, air fresheners, or harsh cleaning substances. Make sure to ventilate the area properly when preparing food. 
• Utilise air purifiers or humidifiers: An air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter can eliminate allergens and pollutants from the air. A humidifier helps maintain moisture in the air, particularly during dry periods, making breathing easier, however, humidifiers should also be used with caution, ensuring it’s regularly cleaned, and humidity levels are maintained between 30-50% to prevent mould growth, which itself can be a respiratory irritant. 
• Keep medications and emergency plans accessible: Store inhalers and medications in convenient locations. Place a written emergency plan in a prominent spot, like the refrigerator or a bulletin board, so that everyone in the house knows the procedure during a flare-up. 

Warning signs that symptoms are getting worse

• Heightened shortness of breath, even at rest or with minimal activity 
• Increased coughing or alterations in cough sound 
• Wheezing or chest tightness that is new or worsening 
• Alterations in mucus, such as increased production, a thicker consistency, or a change in colour (yellow, green, or bloody) 
• Experiencing difficulty breathing while sleeping 
• Lower energy levels or unusual fatigue 
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs, which may indicate fluid retention 
• Fever or chills, which could signal an infection 

When to consult a GP

You should reach out to a GP if you observe any changes in your COPD symptoms, such as worsening breathlessness, intensified coughing, changes in mucus, or chest tightness. It’s also crucial to seek medical guidance if your inhalers are not functioning as effectively as they usually do or if you find daily activities more challenging than before. 

Other indicators that necessitate a GP visit include frequent flare-ups, fatigue that remains despite rest, or any symptoms of infection, such as fever or chills. Swelling in the legs or experiencing sleep disturbances due to breathing issues are additional reasons to seek medical attention. It’s advisable to have a COPD action plan prepared with your GP to guide you in responding to symptom changes. 

If you are uncertain about the severity of your symptoms, it’s wise to be cautious; seeking early medical guidance can prevent complications. Book a telehealth appointment for asthma and breathing issues offer a quick and convenient way of obtaining support without leaving your home. 

The benefit of regular check-ups and telehealth reviews

Regular check-ups and instant consultation with a doctor are vital  for managing chronic illnesses like COPD. Regular check-ups often include spirometry to monitor disease progression and adjust your treatment plan accordingly, identifying issues early before they escalate. These appointments enable your doctor to assess lung function, review medications, and confirm that you are adhering to a care plan that is effective for you. 

Through telehealth, you can book a telehealth appointment to obtain medical support from the comfort of your home, which saves time and minimises the risk of exposure to potential triggers such as pollution or infections. This method also simplifies maintaining consistency with follow-ups, asking questions, and receiving prompt assistance during flare-ups, including instant consultation with a doctor when needed. You can also request a medical certificate for COPD-related sick days if required. Together, both in-person and online appointments contribute to improved long-term health and help you manage your condition effectively. 

Conclusion:

FAQs

What is the COPD medical abbreviation?

What is COPD?

How is COPD diagnosed?   

What are the causes of COPD? 

• Long-term exposure to irritants like air pollution, dust, or chemical fumes.   
• Smoking 
• Genetics 
• Frequent respiratory infections 

Can breathing exercises help with COPD?  

Is it safe to travel if I have COPD?

How often should I use my inhaler?

Can I manage COPD entirely at home?

Are there online GPs who can help with COPD management?

• Monitor symptoms and flare-ups 
• Adjust medications 
• Provide action plans for exacerbations 
• Offer lifestyle advice 
• Provide medical certificate online for sick leaves 
• Provide specialist referrals for further checks