Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease - Lifestyle Changes

(Page 4)

Psychological Support

Patients with COPD are at high risk for depression and anxiety, which can impair their outlook on life. Depression often gets worse as people with COPD need to limit their activities and social interactions. Psychological counseling and social support are important for helping people improve their emotional state, cope with daily stresses, and maintain their independence and social relationships.

Minimizing Airborne Contaminants

As much as possible, patients should avoid exposure to airborne irritants, including:

• Aerosol products
• Hair sprays
• Insecticides
• Paint sprayers
• Smoke from wood fires

---

---

To minimize the amount of contaminants in the home:

• Avoid exposure to pollen, pet dander, house dust, and mold. [See In-Depth Report #4: Asthma in Adults.]
• Eliminate molds and mildew from household water damage.
• Have furnaces and chimneys inspected and cleaned periodically.
• Make sure wood-burning stoves or fireplaces are well ventilated and meet the Environmental Protection Agency's safety standards. Burn only pressed wood products labeled "exterior grade," because they contain the fewest pollutants.
• Ventilate by keeping windows open (weather permitting), using exhaust fans for stoves and vents for furnaces, and keeping fireplace flues open.

Review Date: 04/10/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).