At Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists, we have discovered that you do not have to be a scientist, physician or registered nurse,
to make a profound impact on a COPD patient’s life.
Over the years the Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists have observed many friends and family members who want to help their family members or friends, who have been diagnosed with the life-changing disease of COPD. They make a difference in their loved ones lives.
This week’s FLASS blog article brings you some suggestions and tips for helping your family member cope with the challenges of the COPD.
1. Absolutely No Smoking
Help the patient quit smoking if he or she has not already quit the habit. Naturally, you won’t permit any smoking near the patient or under the same roof as the patient. Remember, even second hand smoke can cause more lung damage to the COPD patient.
Likewise, get rid of any smoking paraphernalia that is in your loved one’s home. If your loved one is still fighting the nicotine cravings, find the patient’s favorite anti-smoking distractions.
Here are some healthy ideas:
- Accompany him or her on a short walk,
- Engage her in a hobby-related activity together,
- Play a board game,
- And indulge him in a massage.
- You can also set small dishes around the house, filled with healthy snacks to give him or her an instant alternative to smoking.
- Any healthy activity will help him or her fight the cravings.
2. Know Your Numbers: Breathing Emergencies!
“COPD exacerbation is the number one reason that people with COPD seek emergency treatment, and are admitted to the hospital. An exacerbation of COPD is often accompanied by worsening dyspnea [shortness of breath] and cough.”
Be aware of the emergency contact numbers you might need in the event of an acute exacerbation. Make it a mission to learn all you can about COPD and your family member’s treatment plan. Check out the user-friendly online resource at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
3. Never Wear That Perfume!
You will not want to wear any heavily scented products around the patient. This can include everything from after-shaves to hand lotion to hair spray. COPD patients are often very sensitive to beauty products or heavy “odors that can further irritate inflamed airways causing COPD symptoms to worsen when exposed to them.”
4. The Secret: How To Encourage Regular Exercise
Did you know that regular, physical exercise will make the COPD patient feel better and be stronger? Don’t just say they should exercise, but find the exercise they like and participate in it with them. At first it might only require 3-5 minutes a few times a day, but the patient will benefit for hours and days afterwards. You will see the difference as your loved one improves his or her stamina. Naturally, you will want to discuss any physical activity with the primary caregiver; we are giving only some very generalized tips.
5. How To Promote Energy Conservation
Just because a little energy spent in regular exercise is a good thing does not mean that the COPD patient should have a physically challenging environment. 
Managing COPD is very draining. For example, if you live in a two-story home, move the necessary living quarters to the downstairs area.
Likewise, you can help improve the environment by:
- Provide smaller, most used items, like books, within easy reach.
- Put a chair in the shower.
- Find more suggestions for a COPD-friendly environment at this helpful online resource from About.Com.
6. Get Clean, But Not Toxic!
Clean often to help keep the air sanitary, but Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products! Remember that strong odors can exacerbate the symptoms of COPD. Go natural with your cleaning chemicals and supplies. Even natural cleaners require good ventilation.
In your efforts to help your loved one cope with COPD, take a look at the personal stories and factual information at such websites as COPD.com and Healthline.
We also invite you to investigate the pages of the FLASS website, and this blog. One of the goals of this blog is to include tips to help caring people care for their loved ones. We strive to provide information that will help you understand COPD, as well as other respiratory conditions. Ultimately, perhaps you can be responsible for helping your loved one improve their quality of life.
