Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can affect many aspects of your life. But there are some ways to help reduce its impact.

Looking after yourself

It's important to take good care of yourself if you have COPD. Some of the main things you'll be advised to do are outlined below.

Take your medicine

It's important to take any prescribed medicine, including inhalers, as this can help prevent bad flare-ups. It's also a good idea to read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine about possible interactions with other medicines or supplements.

Check with your care team if you plan to take any over-the-counter remedies, such as painkillers or nutritional supplements. These can sometimes interfere with your medicine.

Also speak to your care team if you have any concerns about the medicine you're taking or you're experiencing any side effects.

Stop smoking

If you smoke, stopping can help slow down or prevent further damage to your lungs. Help is available from a GP and NHS stop smoking services.

Exercise regularly

Exercising regularly can help improve your symptoms and quality of life. The amount of exercise you can do will depend on your individual circumstances. Exercising until you're a little breathless is not dangerous, but do not push yourself too far.

It's a good idea to speak to a GP for advice before starting a new exercise programme if your symptoms are severe or you have not exercised in a while.

You may be advised to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme, which will include a structured exercise plan tailored to your needs and ability.

Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying extra weight can make breathlessness worse, so it's a good idea to lose weight through a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet if you're overweight.

Some people with COPD find that they unintentionally lose weight. Eating foods that are high in protein and taking in enough calories is important to maintain a healthy weight.

You may see a dietitian as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme if necessary.

Get vaccinated

COPD can put a significant strain on your body and mean you're more vulnerable to infections. Everyone with COPD is encouraged to have the annual flu jab and the one-off pneumococcal vaccination.

You can get these vaccinations at your GP surgery or a local pharmacy that offers a vaccination service.

Check the weather

Cold spells and periods of hot weather and humidity can cause breathing problems if you have COPD. It's a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast and make sure you have enough of your medicine to hand in case your symptoms get temporarily worse.

The Met Office issues cold weather alerts during winter, which can warn you about cold spells.

Watch what you breathe

There are certain things that should be avoided, if possible, to reduce COPD symptoms and the chances of a flare-up, including:

• dusty places
• fumes, such as car exhausts
• smoke
• air freshener sprays or plug-ins
• strong-smelling cleaning products (unless there's plenty of ventilation)
• hairspray
• perfume

Regular reviews and monitoring

You'll have regular contact with your care team to monitor your condition.

These appointments may involve:

• talking about your symptoms – such as whether they're affecting your normal activities or are getting worse
• talking about your medicine – including whether you think you might be experiencing any side effects
• tests to monitor your health

It's also a good opportunity to ask any questions you have or raise any other issues you'd like to discuss with your care team.

Contact your GP or care team if your symptoms get suddenly worse or you develop new symptoms between check-ups.

Breathing techniques

There are various breathing techniques that some people find helpful for breathlessness.

These include breathing control, which involves breathing gently using the least effort, with the shoulders supported. This can help when people with COPD feel short of breath.

Breathing techniques for people who are more active include:

• relaxed, slow, deep breathing
• breathing through pursed lips, as if whistling
• breathing out hard when doing an activity that needs a big effort
• paced breathing, using a rhythm in time with the activity, such as climbing stairs

If you have a chesty cough that produces a lot of phlegm, you may be taught a specific technique to help you clear your airways called the active cycle breathing technique.