Severe COPD

If a patient has severe COPD, there is no way to get a complete cure in a short period of time. This requires a relatively long process. So the most important thing for the patient to do is to persevere and not give up halfway. During the treatment period, he or she must not smoke or drink, as this will make the lung infection more serious. Also, try to avoid catching a cold.

COPD is closely related to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Therefore, in order to prevent COPD, we must first actively prevent chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The prevention methods generally include the following:

1. No smoking and quit smoking

Smoking bans and smoking cessation are very important for patients with chronic bronchitis. Not only should the patients themselves not smoke, but other family members of the patients should also quit smoking. If they cannot quit smoking, they should not smoke in the patient's room to ensure that the patient lives in an environment with fresh air. Other irritating gases, such as kitchen fumes, should also be avoided.

2. Prevent colds and flu

Preventing colds and flu is a very important measure. COPD is prone to attacks when the weather suddenly turns cold. It can also be easily triggered by excessive physical fatigue, smoke and dust stimulation, etc. Since the patients are almost all elderly people with poor body resistance, they are easily affected by these external factors. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the living environment well ventilated, with plenty of sunlight, and free from pollution from irritating gases, smoke, and dust.

In severe winter or when the climate suddenly turns cold, you should pay attention to keeping warm, add clothes in time, and keep the indoor temperature relatively stable. The indoor temperature in winter should be between 18℃ and 20℃. Overcooling and overheating are not good for patients with chronic bronchitis. Try not to go out in cold seasons. If you must go out, dress warmly and wear a mask day and night to avoid catching cold. Don't catch a cold due to cold.

3. Regular physical exercise

Regular physical exercise plays a good role in preventing COPD. Physical activity can enhance the patient's immunity and improve respiratory function, thus preventing diseases. Regular abdominal breathing exercises can significantly improve your breathing. Regular walking and Tai Chi are very good for your health. Physical activity should be performed without causing fatigue and dyspnea, and rest should begin before severe dyspnea and fatigue occur.

When noticeable shortness of breath occurs, it can be relieved by exhaling slowly and fully. Patients in the acute exacerbation stage of COPD should not engage in physical exercise for the time being. They should start exercising when their condition is under control and their physical strength has recovered. Exercise should be gradual and the amount of activity should be gradually increased. Patients with COPD are very sensitive to cold stimuli. Therefore, they should avoid outdoor activities when the weather is cold and exercise indoors. It should be recognized that physical exercise is not a panacea and cannot replace drug treatment.