COPD: Avoiding Your Triggers
COPD: Avoiding Your TriggersSkip to the navigationIntroduction You can do things at home to manage COPD (chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease). By learning the triggers for COPD and avoiding them, you
can help reduce flare-ups. While some triggers may be out of your control,
there are others you can easily avoid. - Learn and avoid the common triggers for
COPD.
- By avoiding flare-ups, you may feel better, be more active,
and reduce the impact of COPD on your life.
- Pay attention to
symptoms that may warn you of a flare-up. You may need to see your doctor or go
to the hospital if your symptoms are severe.
How can you avoid triggers?There are many things
you can do to avoid triggers and stay as healthy as you can. Avoid triggers in the air- Quit smoking. This is the most important thing
you can do. Also stay away from other people who are smoking.
- Use
an air conditioner or air filter in your home.
- Cook near an open
door or window, or turn on your kitchen fan.
- If there is a lot of
pollution or dust outside, stay at home and keep your windows closed.
Protect your health- Get a flu vaccine every year.
- Talk to
your doctor about getting a pneumococcal shot.
- Wash your hands
to avoid infections.
- Eat healthy foods, exercise, and get enough
rest.
- Refill your medicines before you run out.
- Take
extra medicines with you when you travel.
CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerHasmeena Kathuria, MD - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine Current as ofMarch 25, 2017 Current as of:
March 25, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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