Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be difficult. You might cough a lot and deal with chest tightness. And sometimes, the most leisurely activities can leave you feeling breathless.
Symptoms of this chronic disease may heighten with age. There’s no remedy for COPD, but treatment can help you control the condition successfully.
If you’re living with COPD and the medication you’re on is successfully addressing your symptoms, you may be wondering what sort of lifestyle changes you should also make to help you stay well.
Some individuals find that practicing peaceful breathing exercises gives them more control over their breath. It can also help to strengthen your respiratory muscles and breathe easier.
But suggestions for managing COPD don’t stop there. Making shifts around your house can create a more relaxed, breathable space.
Here are a few hacks for a COPD-friendly home.
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Keep a Fan in the Bathroom
Steam from a shower increases the humidity level in the bathroom. This can also aggravate COPD, triggering coughing and shortness of breath.
To avoid exacerbating symptoms, only shower in well-ventilated bathrooms. If possible, shower with the door open, crack a bathroom window, or use an exhaust fan.
If these aren’t an option, put a portable fan in the bathroom while showering to reduce humidity and ventilate the room.
Don’t Allow Smoking in Your Home
Many cases of COPD are due to smoking, whether first or secondhand. Even if you’ve given it up, exposure to cigarette smoke can cause a flare or worsen your symptoms.
To keep your respiratory system healthy, you should avoid smoking cigarettes and keep your home smoke-free.
Be conscious of thirdhand smoke, too. This refers to residual smoke left behind after a person smokes. So even if someone doesn’t smoke around you, the scent of smoke on their clothes can worsen your symptoms.
Replace Your Carpet With Hard Floors
Carpet can ensnare many pollutants like pet dander, dust, and other allergens. Depending on the harshness of your symptoms, extracting your carpet and replacing it with hardwood floors or tile may help enhance your symptoms.
If you cannot remove your carpet, get a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and vacuum your floors often. Every six to 12 months, get your carpets, fabric furniture, and curtains steam cleaned.
Hook Up an Air Purifier
An air purifier can remove allergens and other pollutants and irritants. For top-notch filtration, choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals Indoors
Some chemicals used to dust, mop, or disinfect your home could trouble your symptoms and trigger breathlessness.
Make a concerted measure to avoid harsh chemicals altogether. This includes chemicals used to clean your home and personal hygiene products. Also, be cautious with air fresheners, plug-ins, and scented candles.
Look for natural or non-toxic items that are free of fragrances. As far as cleaning goes, consider making natural household cleaners. You can create plenty of options using vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and water.
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Eliminate Indoor Clutter
Eliminating mess decreases dust accumulation so that you can breathe easier.
The less clutter in your home, the better. Clutter is a breeding ground for dust. In addition to vacuuming and mopping your floors, declutter shelves, desks, tables, corners, and bookcases.
Have Your AC and Air Ducts Inspected
You might neglect this aspect of home maintenance, but it’s essential if you have COPD. Mold and mildew in your home can go undetected and unknowingly worsen your condition. Schedule an air conditioning inspection for mold and have your ductwork inspected for mildew each year. Eliminating mold and mildew around your home can lead to cleaner air and a more breathable environment.
Living with COPD has its challenges, but making a few fundamental adjustments can create a home that’s better suited to this disease. Having a comfortable and breathable space may reduce your number of flares, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest.
