Caring for someone with COPD may pose a challenge, especially as there’s no cure for the condition. But these strategies can help your loved one manage their symptoms.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for lung conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It’s a chronic, progressive illness that causes symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest infections.

The condition may have a significant effect on people’s quality of life. Along with physical symptoms, people with COPD may have a higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

As a caregiver, you may face certain challenges. Watching someone you love manage breathing problems can seem difficult.

While there’s no cure for COPD, treatment can improve your loved one’s breathing. But they’ll also need your support. You may feel unable to help at times, but there are plenty of ways you may offer them encouragement.

Tobacco smoking is considered the top cause of COPD. One way to support a loved one with COPD is to encourage them to stop smoking if they’re a smoker. Giving up cigarettes can slow disease progression and prevent worsening symptoms.

You may help your loved one by researching nicotine replacement therapies (nicotine patches or nicotine gums). You may also look for local and online support groups on their behalf.

If you smoke tobacco, you may set an example by attempting to quit if you wish to do so. Or you may choose to avoid smoking in their presence.

Exercise may seem difficult for a person with COPD, as it may increase breathlessness. But regular exercise can help strengthen your loved one’s respiratory muscles and improve their breathing long term.

Getting started with an exercise routine may seem difficult for anyone — so offer to be your loved one’s exercise buddy!

Choose gentle exercises instead of strenuous ones. Start with short walks around the neighborhood or park. Slowly increase the speed and length of each workout as their body allows.

As a precaution, you may ask their doctor about appropriate and safe exercises.

Respiratory infections can worsen symptoms of COPD. As a caregiver, you may consider keeping yourself in good health. This includes getting an annual flu shot. If you have a cold or the flu, try to maintain your distance until your symptoms go away.

If you feel or are sick and live in the same house as someone with COPD, consider disinfecting commonly touched surfaces every day and try to avoid preparing food. Wearing a face mask may help prevent the spread of any germs.

Lowering air pollution at home can also help a person cope with COPD. Certain products can trigger a flare or worsen their symptoms.

If you’re helping with housekeeping, avoid using cleaning products with strong scents around your loved one, especially when there’s poor ventilation. Also, try to steer clear of air fresheners or plug-ins.

You might need to reconsider what you apply to your body around a person with COPD. For example, wearing strong perfumes, lotions, or hairsprays can trigger a flare in people with COPD.

Going the extra mile to make their home as COPD-friendly as possible is also a great help. A person living with moderate to severe COPD may experience breathlessness even when performing simple tasks.

For example, it may seem difficult for them to create a more breathable space on their own. This is where you can help. Install a shower chair in their bathtub so that they can sit down and maintain their energy while bathing.

You can also assist with preparing meals, dusting, and removing clutter, which is a breeding ground for dust.

Your loved one may have a lot on their plate. It’s helpful for them to have someone else present at their appointments to remember what the doctor says.

You can come and take notes, or bring along a tape recorder. Recording information can make it easier for them to recall instructions later on.

Taking the time to educate yourself on COPD can help you better understand and assist your loved one living with the condition.

It’s understandable that when you’re not experiencing the condition, it can be difficult to fully understand your loved one’s concerns.

So the more you know about COPD, the more helpful you can be in supporting your loved one.

Some people with COPD may not want to burden their loved ones. They may not always be honest about how they feel.

As a caregiver, learning how to recognize signs of problems is helpful. COPD complications can include heart problems, respiratory infections, and depression.

If you notice a negative change in your loved one’s mood, encourage them to speak with their doctor or a therapist.

There’s no cure for COPD. But getting the treatment that feels right for a person with COPD can help them live a full life. As a caregiver, it may seem difficult to watch someone you love manage this condition. You may feel emotionally overwhelmed at times, but your support and encouragement can make a difference.

It’s important to remember to take care of yourself as well as your loved one. It’s also essential to take breaks for yourself and get enough rest. You may look for a local support group for caregivers of people with COPD.