Managing COPD
Adjusting to life with COPD
Staying positive and active
Being breathless is extremely unpleasant for people with COPD, and sometimes this can start a negative cycle of inactivity, depression and a worsening of the quality of life. This often starts because people become anxious when they get out of breath, so they stop doing things they enjoy. They may become depressed, demotivated and unfit, so they are then less able to do things they enjoy.
This section is about things you can do for yourself to help stay positive and active. If you feel you may be sinking into a depression it is important that you see your doctor, who will be able to help you overcome it.
Advice on staying positive
Depression is common in people with a long-term illnesses, particularly if they become immobile. Sometimes people will not know they are depressed and often do not notice the mood changes. It is important to recognise depression, as there are many effective approaches, to help you overcome depression.
While it can be difficult to talk to other people about depression, it is important to take it seriously. There are several questionnaires available on the internet which can help you recognise your symptoms. Questionnaires are a useful complement in the diagnosis of depression, they are in no way a substitute for an interview with a doctor. Click here for a link to such a test.
Look after yourself and your relationships
Sometimes when people are ill they neglect the people and relationships that sustain them. It is important to continue looking after these relationships, because they play a large part in helping you feel good, and maintaining your self-worth.
Although sex is an important part of a close relationship, sometimes people with COPD feel that they shouldn’t even try to have sex. However this would be a mistake. A fulfilling sex life can improve your well-being, and release tender, loving feelings that you don’t get from elsewhere. Just the feeling of closeness can help your relationship to remain positive, and the benefits for you, and your partner will be immense.
Other areas of your life will also benefit. If you feel close to your partner your feelings of self-worth and attractiveness will also increase.
Reduce Indoor Pollution
Many homes have things in them that can irritate the lungs. You can do a lot to purify the air in your own home, and make it a safer place to be:
- Make sure people don’t smoke in your home
- Maintain the correct temperature and relative humidity
- Animal hair can be extremely irritating the lungs. If you have a pet, make sure you vacuum the house regularly to remove the build up of hair or dander. Never allow animals in bedrooms
- Make sure that bathrooms and kitchens are properly ventilated to prevent condensation causing mildew or mould. The spores that are released by mildew or mould are often extremely irritating to people with COPD
- Beware of unusual smells as you enter your house; these can indicate the presence of dangerous substances
- Clean the house regularly, taking special care to clean carpets and padded furniture
- Rinse floors and all surfaces after cleaning and open the windows
- Cleaning materials, glues and solvents often include chemicals that irritate the lungs. Try to avoid using products that contain these chemicals in non-ventilated areas. It is best to avoid using aerosols altogether.
- Keep the rooms well aired when doing maintenance work, decorating and painting
Getting extra help
Many countries provide services or financial assistance for people who are ill, and support for those who care for them.
The type of financial assistance that is available varies from country to country. People who are unable to work are sometimes provided with pensions, or sickness or disability benefits. Some countries give financial assistance towards the costs of travelling, heating, or necessary modifications to your home. If you have private health insurance, there may be additional benefits you can claim for loss of earnings or nursing care.
Most countries in the European Community recognise the work done by carers in the form of entitlement to payments or allowances for their time. This is sometimes in addition to any benefit that is available for the person being cared for, if they cannot work.
There are usually other services available to help people who are ill and live at home. These can include:
- Nurses who care for you at home
- Residential respite care (so that your carer can have a holiday)
- Help with the tasks of daily living such as cooking
It is important that you claim everything you are entitled to. One way to find out about government assistance in your country is to ask your doctor or national patient organisation.