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what-helped

Things that help my COPD breathing (10+ years of trial and error)

ray_n
Been living with COPD for over a decade now and I've picked up a lot of tricks along the way. Wanted to share what actually helps me breathe better in case it helps someone else. 1. Pursed lip breathing. I know your pulmonologist already told you. Do it anyway. It works. 2. HEPA air purifier in the bedroom. Run it all night. Game changer for morning breathing. 3. Keeping the house at 68-72 degrees. Too hot or too cold both mess me up. 4. Humidity between 40-50%. I got a cheap hygrometer from amazon and a humidifier/dehumidifier depending on season. 5. Avoiding strong smells — cleaning products, perfume, candles. My wife switched to unscented everything and my daily coughing dropped noticeably. 6. Staying on top of my rescue inhaler. Not waiting until I'm desperate. Using it BEFORE activities that I know will wind me. 7. Checking the AQI daily. If it's over 80 I stay in. Period. No exceptions. None of this is groundbreaking I know. But it took me years to figure out this combination and I wish someone had just given me a list when I started. So here's the list.

3 Replies

al_from_tx

This is a great list. I'd add one more: pulmonary rehab if you can get into a program. It taught me breathing techniques and exercise tolerance that I never would have figured out on my own. Insurance covered it too. The AQI thing is huge. I wish I'd started monitoring it years ago instead of just suffering through bad air days wondering why I felt terrible.

gary_n

the unscented everything thing is so important. my family switched to unscented laundry detergent, soap, cleaners, everything. the amount of coughing that just... stopped... was wild. i didnt realize how much fragrances were affecting me until they were gone. also agreed on the rescue inhaler before activities. dont wait until youre gasping. use it preventatively.

pauld

Saving this list. I do most of these but the humidity monitoring is new to me. I've been struggling more in winter when the air is dry and didn't connect it to humidity levels. Getting a hygrometer this week. Also want to second the HEPA purifier. My pulmonologist specifically recommended it and the difference in my nighttime breathing was noticeable within a few days.

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