0 Do You or Someone You Know Suffer from COPD?

How much energy do you think your body needs to breathe? Inhalation is an active process requiring the diaphragm muscle to expand and passively relax upon exhalation. Energy consumed through daily caloric intake is required to sustain internal body functions including breathing, metabolic processes, gas exchange, cardiac and brain function to name a few. A person with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), one of the most common lung diseases, currently affecting 12 million people, might require 10 times more calories just for the muscles to regulate breathing affecting one’s energy expenditure. COPD is a slow progressive disease of the airwaves that is characterized by a gradual loss of lung function.

COPD is an illness that causes a great deal of suffering worldwide, affecting a patient’s life physically, psychologically, and socially. A common trip up a flight of stairs might seem like a huge undertaking. There is no cure for COPD, but it can be managed with proper treatment aimed at improving general well-being and health status. In addition to medication, proper nutrition, relaxation, regular exercise and a positive outlook toward the illness are important.

While some may have learned to manage it, others might still require frequent assistance from family and a community. For self-starters, this action plan may be a guiding principle as well as being under your physician’s care.  In addition to resisting some major culprits such as smoking, air pollution, allergens and air borne illnesses, proper nutrition is a staple for managing COPD. See here for specific dietary and lifestyle suggestions to help you manage the disease.. Exercise is just as important as nutrition, but must be monitored. Cleveland Clinic has exercise and activity guidelines, but be sure to check with your health care provider before starting any exercise program.

If COPD is part of your life and you have learned to manage it well, please share your tips with us for the recently diagnosed or those looking for more ways to improve their lifestyle.