Some useful advice on actions you can take NOW to help prevent Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Prevention
The main symptom of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inability to breathe in and out properly, otherwise known as airflow obstruction. COPD is the name for a group of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive airways disease.
Preventing COPD
Ways to prevent and ease COPD symptoms.
Give up smoking
While much of the damage may have been done if smoking long enough, stopping smoking slows down disease progression. If symptoms of COPD are mild, stopping smoking may be all that is needed to significantly improve them.
Get regular exercise
Regular exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and improves breathing. Build up gradually if not used to exercising. The aim is to do a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day, at least five times a week. Try losing weight (if overweight) because extra weight can make breathlessness worse.
Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet helps the immune system and will help fight off infection. Plenty of fruit and vegetables (at least 5-a-day) and reduced fat, sugar, and salt will help.
Drink plenty of fluids
Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to help to reduce the amount of mucus and phlegm in the throat and lungs.
Use a steam inhalator or humidifier
A steam inhalator or humidifier can be used at home to help to reduce and clear excess mucus and phlegm.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be used to clear excess mucus from the airways.
What is BPro Cardio Screen Service?
BPro Cardio Screen measures artery stiffness to identify risk of blockages and cardiovascular and circulatory disease. BPRo is placed like a watch on your wrist and is pain free. A pulse wave reads and calculates a wave signal that indicates the elasticity of large, small, and peripheral artery walls as well as tests for stress, central blood pressure, heart rate, and more. It is now €35 (was €50); it only takes about 15 minutes. The next clinic is Saturday August 27th (from 9am to 5pm) at Whelehans Pearse St. Book online on the Whelehans Website or by calling Whelehans at 04493 34591.
Booster Vaccine
If you have COPD, you may be at more risk from COVID-19. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for the second Covid 19 booster. Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St have a weekly walk-in clinic for Covid-19 boosters. Call 0449334591 for more.
To be continued…I will discuss COPD in more detail in this column in September.
Disclaimer: BPro Cardio is not an alternative to medical assessment; it can indicate risk of cardiovascular events but is not a diagnosis
For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore). Email queries to info@whelehans.ie. Find us on Facebook.