LIVING WITH
COPD

PREVENTION AND PROGRESSION

Prevention and management of COPD

As COPD progresses, it could have a significant impact on your life, with reduced daily/physical activities, exacerbations, impact on work, and social isolation. This may leave you feeling anxious and depressed, which is to be expected.¹⁰

Prevent

Since 9 out of 10 people with COPD are likely to have it because of smoking, the best way to prevent COPD is to never start smoking.¹⁵

If you already smoke, it is critical that you quit as soon as possible. Speak to your doctor about medication that can help you quit smoking.¹²

If you work in an environment where you come into contact with dust, vapours, gases and other irritants, it might not always be possible to avoid it. To reduce the impact of these irritants on your lungs, improve ventilation as best as possible, such as by opening windows or doors, or wearing effective personal protective equipment such as masks.¹²

Vaccinate yourself against respiratory and other infections (e.g. against the flu, COVID-19, RSV, Zoster virus, pertussis) to protect your lungs right through the year, but especially during winter seasons.¹²

Manage

If you have already been diagnosed with COPD, the best way to slow the progression of the disease and protect your lungs is to always use your prescribed medication exactly as you have been instructed.¹² Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of having an exacerbation by 22 %, so speak to your doctor about ways to quit.¹⁰ Staying active can keep your lungs healthy, and following your COPD Action Plan will help reduce the risk of exacerbations.¹² It is common for people with COPD to also have, or later develop, other conditions such as heart problems and diabetes, especially when their condition is not well controlled.^12,22

Almost half of those with COPD also have high blood pressure²⁵

Some people may experience a heart attack, stroke and even heart failure²⁵

With every exacerbation, your risk of death from a heart-related condition is increased, making it critical to prevent COPD exacerbations²⁶

Almost half of those with COPD also have high blood pressure²⁵

Some people may experience a heart attack, stroke and even heart failure²⁵

With every exacerbation, your risk of death from a heart-related condition is increased, making it critical to prevent COPD exacerbations²⁶

Have your doctor screen you for other chronic conditions, and ensure that you keep control of these conditions as well.¹² Although the symptoms of COPD sometimes improve when a person stops smoking, takes their medication regularly, and/or attends pulmonary rehabilitation, their lungs are still damaged and can never fully return to normal. Therefore, COPD is a lifelong condition; but although breathlessness and fatigue may never go away entirely, it can be managed so you can continue leading a fulfilling life.⁸

Are you at risk of having COPD? Answer these questions to determine your risk.

Find out more

COPD Action Plan

A COPD Action Plan should almost be considered a written contract between you and your doctor or your COPD team. It gives you a clear outline of what triggers your COPD, how you can avoid these triggers, and what to do in case of an exacerbation.⁴

Lifestyle changes

Stop smoking, avoid triggers and look after your mental state.

LIVING WITH COPD