Behavioral Management

Behavior management consists of treatment options that require the patient to make lifestyle changes on their own. The overall goal of treatment through behavioral management is to help improve the patient's ability to breathe and to slow the disease. Most of the lifestyle changes listed are changes that the patients can do themselves. It's important that the patient understands that by taking a more active role their treatment will be more effective and successful. The different changes patients can make are described below, however, it's important for patients to consult their physicians before making any lifestyle changes to ensure they are made safely.

• Quit Smoking
  This is probably the most important change for patients to make, and it's never too late to start. Regardless of how long the patient has had the disease, by quitting smoking they can help slow down the disease and improve their health and quality of life.
• Avoid Triggers
  Patients should avoid anything that can cause flare-ups such as smoke exposure, air pollution and extreme tempratures High altitudes and air travel can present problems for some patients.
• Stay Active
  By staying active the patient may have less shortness of breath and can improve their overall health. This can also improve the patients attitude and lessen the chances of the patient becoming depressed. Exercising can help patients stay more active and helps improve shortness of breath. The types of exercises for COPD patients generally consist of aerobic exercises and upper and lower body exercises. Patients should check with their doctors before starting any type exercise routine. For more information on exercising with COPD, click here.
• Stay Healthy
  Many illnesses that affect the lungs, such as the flu and pneumonia, can make COPD worse. Patients should do their best to avoid getting any such illnesses by taking steps like frequently washing their hands, avoiding people who have the flu, a cold, or other sicknesses, obtain yearly flu shots and getting a pneumonia vaccine as recommended.
• Eat Regularly and Well
  Muscle weakness and weight loss are common in patients with severe COPD, and can complicate their illness. For more information on keeping a healthy diet, click here.
• Learn How To Breathe
  It's important for patients to learn techniques for breathing to improve airflow in and out of their lungs, and how to clear their lungs to save energy and oxygen. More details on learning to breathe easier are available here. More info on learning to clear their lungs is available here.
• Rest Frequently
  Patients should try and take rest breaks while doing physical activities such as household chores.