Hi Everyone. My Mum has been diagnosed with copd. She is in her late 60s and stopped smoking 10 years ago. How can I best help her?

[sghixsy]

Looking at ways that can help with my Mum's copd. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've been looking at essential oils and diffussers.

[hypercat54]

Hi sorry to hear about your mum. Do you know what her lung function or stage is? If she is diagnosed in the early stages then she probably won't progress much more unless she lives to 100! She needs to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet and take any meds and inhalers and get medical help for any potential lung problems.

I am not sure essential oils or diffuses will help but if she likes and can tolerate the smells why not? Some copders have to be very careful around scents, perfumes, aerosols, paint fumes etc. Even animals sometimes. x

[sghixsy in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you for your advice.

[Shancock]

Make sure family members and friends don't visit her if they have colds or coughs or any bugs, that is hugely important. Ask her what she would like and if she needs help with anything like cleaning or gardening.

I wouldn't advise diffusers or oils personally, any type of breathing problem are usually made worse with scented products.

She will need to exercise regular and eat a healthy diet, also top up on vitamins especially D3 and C. If she takes care of herself then she can continue to lead a long and happy life😀

[2greys in reply to Shancock]

I tend to agree, I would treat essential oils and diffusers with a great deal of caution, they could trigger an exacerbation, along with a trip to A&E. After not smoking, the next best thing is exercise, as much as she can manage, even if it is just walking. A healthy balanced diet, maintaining a healthy BMI and taking all her medication as prescribed. All of these will give her the best chance of a good quality of life.

[Bronchi1]

Hi, are you sure that wont irritate her lungs? Best thing you can do is offer her love and compassion .

[stamford1234]

I don't think essences are a good thing for COPD sufferers, I certainly can't tolerate anything more than fresh air. If you are thinking about these for relaxing then a cup of chamomile tea does the trick for me. Excellent advice above, as usual. I am guessing your Mum has had her flu and pneumonia jabs. She is very lucky having your care. Don't worry too much. I am your Mum's age and have severe COPD, Depression often creeps up on sufferers. You could watch out for that. I have followed advice from here and feel quite well. Stay away from Dr Google.

[Corin1950]

Hi

She could ask her GP to refer her for a course of Pulmonary Rehabilitation where she would learn all about her condition, what she can do to manage it, nutrition and how to exercise to slow the progression as well as meeting other people who also have COPD.

Wishing you both all the best

Corin

[Hidden]

Hi, i have severe copd and work with essential oils every day with my work. I am a massage and holistic therapist. I wouldn't recommend a diffuser, but adding a couple of drops of say, lavender, to 100mm of carrier oil would have a calming effect to mood, and applied to the skin ie hand massage, or putting a couple of drops on a pillow to aid sleep could be nice. If i am congested, i add a couple of drops eucalyptus to a bowl of water and inhale, the old fashioned remedy..but works for me xx