What Are COPD Diseases & Tips to Keep Prevent?

By Dr. Salil S. Bendre in Centre for Chest & Respiratory Diseases

Apr 24 , 2023 | 3 min read

Mumbai: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the largest, preventable causes of lung deterioration across the world. It is characterised by progressively worsening and persistent breathlessness on exertion, eventually leading to breathlessness at rest. This ‘life-threatening,’ condition is mainly caused by tobacco smoke, indoor and outdoor pollution. Moreover, the forthcoming winter seasoncan aggravate the severe lung conditions such as COPD. However, with some useful tips, one can keep the lung problems at bay and prevent the COPD from worsening.

Stay safe indoors

Regardless of the lockdown status of your city, it is best you stay indoors. Avoid going outside to exercise during this festive season. The pollution in the air is high owing to Diwali. By going out to exercise outdoors, it will increase your exposure to all pollutants and irritants that will worsen your respiratory symptoms. Hence, it is best to avoid physical activities like cycling, running, jogging, etc. for a while till the smog clears up.

Wear N-95 masks

At any given time, if you must go out for running an errand or for any other work, you MUST wear an N-95 mask. It is absolutely necessary to stay clear of Covid-19 as well as the other pollutants that may worsen your condition. Cloth masks do not help keep the virus away and can be one of the reasons to cause a spike in respiratory illnesses.

Do not burn incense sticks

Indian households’ worshipping rituals mostly entail the burning of incense sticks around your house. You should avoid burning anything that releases fumes around you as they can cause COPD. Avoid smoking and be away from smokers as well.

Keep your inhalers handy

You never know what can aggravate your complaints and what may worsen your condition. It is best to keep your inhalers and other medications handy in case of any emergency. Take your medicines on time and stay away from all the aggravating and causative factors for your COPD.

Observe social distancing

We understand that normalcy has partly resumed and festivities are especially a time of meeting your extended family and having public and social gatherings. Try avoiding that this festive season due to the added risk of Covid-19. If you must meet your extended family, prefer meeting in an open ground where you can maintain social distancing and avoid any physical contact.

Healthy immunity-boosting diet

Vitamin C is known to help boost your immunity. Include foods which are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, omega fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals to stay healthy this Diwali. Drink herbal teas like ginger tea, tulsi tea, etc. Eat a handful of mixed nuts, seeds and dried fruits daily to have a healthy diet. Try sweets that are made of coconut, jaggery, dark chocolate, etc. Avoid sweets that have the silver coating on them, high-fat fried snacks, etc.

Healthy homes

Grow some health-promoting plants like aloe vera, ivy, spider plant, etc. to purify the air around you in your house. Keeping your house ventilated and airy will help you breathe clean and fresh air.

Follow these simple tips to steer clear of COPD in these times. Stay hydrated, eat healthy and keep yourself protected from air pollutants of all kinds. In case you do have some symptoms like breathlessness, cough, sneezing, chest pain, then consult your physician immediately.

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Salil Bendre (Consultant - Pulmonology & Bronchoscopy)

Dr. Salil Bendre heads Centre for Chest and Respiratory Disease at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. He has vast experience of over 27 years and specialises in diagnostic and theraputic services for Lung Infections, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Sleep Apnoea, Nicotine/Tobacco (Smoking) De-addiction Treatment, Chest Disease and Eosinophilia Treatment among others.