How to help someone suffering from COPD: A holistic approach

This topic is something very near and dear to my heart. And it's a bit different to previous blog articles I've written. The hope with this article is to help others. 

My mother was diagnosed with COPD in 2013. 

She's the reason I became a Nutritionist and Practitioner in the first place. I wanted to find a way to help her get better and thank goodness I'm pleased to say that we've successfully done so. 

SO, what is COPD? 

COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It's a long-term lung condition which limits airflow to the lungs and affects ability to exhale and inhale.

Basically, it's like permanently not being able to breathe.

It is incurable.

Think suffering through periods of what feels like drowning intense coughing that never seems to end because of a "mild infection", headaches from the lack of sleep and literal oxygen to your brain, and a stabbing like feeling in your rib cage so painful you pass out - and all because you've pushed yourself too far. 


My mother bless her describes it as some days feeling like an elephant is sitting on her chest. 

I was fortunate enough to be in a position to help her. I know this isn't the case for everyone. 

So, here, I disclose what I did to help my own mother manage her symptoms, reduce her coughing and help improve her quality of life and take back her independence from me. 

For those who have people in their lives who suffer from COPD, emphysema or lung problems, please keep reading. 

Holistic management of COPD
A holistic approach to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves treating the individual as a whole, considering not just the disease but also physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being.

The goal is to slow disease progression, reduce symptoms, increase functional capacity, and improve overall quality of life.

This is achieved through a combination of medical management, lifestyle changes, and complementary strategies.

Focusing on diet and exercise is a critical component of this approach.

Here are key strategies:

1. Medical Management (Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological)
   - Medications: Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and other inhaled medications help to open airways and reduce inflammation. Ensuring adherence to prescribed medications is essential for symptom control.
   - Oxygen Therapy: For individuals with low blood oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen can improve oxygenation and overall functioning.
   - Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A supervised program combining exercise, education, and support to help improve lung function, increase stamina, and reduce symptoms.

2. Exercise and Physical Activity
   Regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce dyspnea (shortness of breath), and increase stamina. Specific exercises that are beneficial include:
   - Aerobic Exercise: Walking, cycling, or swimming can help improve cardiovascular endurance and lung capacity. It’s important to gradually increase intensity and duration based on individual tolerance.
   - Strength Training: Building muscle strength, especially in the legs and core, can help reduce fatigue and improve mobility. This may include light weightlifting or resistance bands.
   - Breathing Exercises: Techniques like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can help manage breathlessness, optimise airflow, and improve relaxation.

 3. Diet and Nutrition
   Proper nutrition plays a key role in managing COPD by helping to maintain a healthy weight, improve energy levels, and prevent malnutrition, which can worsen COPD symptoms. Important dietary considerations include:
   - Adequate Caloric Intake: COPD can increase the body’s energy expenditure due to laboured breathing. It’s important to consume enough calories to maintain a healthy weight, as both being underweight and overweight can worsen COPD symptoms.
   - Protein-Rich Foods: Protein is crucial for muscle strength and immune system support. Lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds are good sources.
   - Anti-Inflammatory Foods: A diet rich in antioxidants (like fruits and vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) may help reduce systemic inflammation associated with COPD.
   - Avoiding Processed Foods: Foods high in sodium and preservatives can lead to fluid retention and exacerbate breathing difficulties.
   - Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the lungs.
   - Smaller, Frequent Meals: Large meals can make breathing more difficult. Eating smaller meals more frequently may reduce the feeling of fullness that can restrict breathing.

4. Stress Management and Emotional Well-Being
   COPD can be emotionally taxing, with anxiety and depression being common comorbidities. A holistic approach considers mental health as equally important:
   - Stress Reduction Techniques: Relaxation exercises such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress and reduce feelings of anxiety or panic that may occur with shortness of breath.
   - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): For patients experiencing anxiety or depression, CBT can help address negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
   - Social Support: Engaging with support groups or family and friends can provide emotional support and reduce isolation. Support groups for COPD can offer guidance, encouragement, and the opportunity to share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

5. Smoking Cessation (If Applicable)
   For smokers or former smokers, quitting smoking is the most critical step in slowing disease progression. Smoking cessation programs, nicotine replacement therapy, and counselling can help patients stop smoking.

6. Education and Self-Management
   - Understanding COPD: Educating patients about the disease, how it progresses, and how to manage flare-ups is crucial for empowering patients to take control of their health.
   - Self-Monitoring: Keeping track of symptoms, triggers, and medication adherence can help patients and healthcare providers identify patterns and make timely interventions.
   - Vaccinations: Ensuring that patients are up-to-date on flu and pneumonia vaccinations can help prevent respiratory infections, which can exacerbate COPD.

7. Environmental Modifications
   - Air Quality: COPD patients are sensitive to air pollutants, allergens, and secondhand smoke. Limiting exposure to these triggers can help improve quality of life.
   - Home Modifications: Simplifying the living environment (e.g., adding grab bars, reducing clutter) can increase independence and safety.

8. Complementary Therapies
   - Acupuncture: Some COPD patients find relief from symptoms like chronic pain or anxiety through acupuncture.
   - Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs like ginger, turmeric, and ginseng may help with inflammation and immune support, but these should always be discussed with a healthcare provider to avoid interactions with medications.
   - Essential Oils: Aromatherapy with oils such as lavender or eucalyptus may provide relief from anxiety and improve breathing comfort.

Key Takeaways for COPD Management:
- Exercise: helps with lung capacity and functional ability, even when done at a moderate or low intensity.
- Proper nutrition: supports energy, reduces inflammation, and prevents weight issues.
- Mental health and stress management: are essential components of care.
- Self-care and education: empower individuals to better manage their condition and improve quality of life.

The holistic approach emphasises treating the whole person and involves both traditional and complementary strategies to optimise health outcomes. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to create a personalized plan that aligns with their specific needs and goals.

Should anyone have any questions regarding how to manage COPD, I offer a personalised nutrition program designed to cater for people suffering from lung issues including COPD, emphysema, bronchiectasis and more.

Book a 15 minute discovery call on the homepage with me to find out more. 

If you want to read a little more about how I helped my mother manage her COPD and her experience with me, please go to the testimonials page. 

My door is always open. 

Thank you.