can copd be contained with exercise diet and medication and how much does stress and being overweight contribute

[stu_webb]

[Hidden]

I'm no medic but it seems that we can try to contain it and that is why most of us go on PR. Being overweight and stressed doesn't help anyone and if suffering with a lung disease can affect breathing. That's what I think anyway

[stu_webb]

thanks being new to site was just trying to broaden debate

[Lynne1955]

Hi Stu and welcome. My GP, who is a COPD specialist is adamant that taking the correct medication, doing aerobic exercise, eating healthily and having a sensible weight will mean that the condition will not deteriorate any more than the natural ageing process. This of course, is dependent on giving up smoking.

I am 57, have moderate COPD, stopped smoking 9 months ago and still work. I feel my COPD is controlled. I try to exercise as much as I can, whether that is walking, using my Wii Fit, digging my allotment (that's my favourite). I am also trying to lose 2 stone as I put weight on when I gave up smoking. I am finding that hard but will persevere.

I am on Spiriva for my COPD and have salbutamol for when I need it (I also have very mild asthma). This is a good site and it is good to discuss other issues.

Lynne x

[jackie50]

In one word yes. When I get stressed oh boy do I know about it. I seem to irritate everything. I am trying to learn to swim at the moment to exercise and try and open the lungs. But I have to say if I get over tired now that triggers everything.

Good question interesting to see how others cope

[dogcyrus]

Bought an inexpensive exercise bike because I an unable to do my thrice weeekly walk due to the early morning cold air which plays havoc with my breathing. Started off with just five minutes and now able to to do thirty minutes. Watch TV whilst exercising. Dont know why I waited so long. My breathing has improved dramatically. Still need to clear lungs a lot, I guess due to all that cardio exercise. As the Wombles used to sing "Exercise is good for you laziness is not". HA, Ha!!

[Athar]

Hi

This page on the BLF website has lots of information on diet and lung health

blf.org.uk/Page/Healthy-eating

we also have a free leaflet you can order here

blf.org.uk/Publication/Deta...

and we have a lot on exercise on this page

blf.org.uk/Page/Exercise

Hope that helps

[Hidden]

Hi, My husband suffers with moderate/severe COPD and I can only say from my experience the excercise is so so so important. He wouldn't listen to me (!) - but was accepted on a pulmonary rehab course last year and the change was staggering! Truly. He doesn't excercise as much as he should now but he does know the benefits. I think they are much more far reaching than just the COPD. Stress on the other hand has a remarkable negative effect on him. In a stressful situation he starts coughing almost immediately and actually thinking back has always done so. Easy to say avoid stress! but I suppose try to limit it and learn how to deal with it! I have also been reading an interesting article on how food can affect COPD but then it can affect health full stop. Yes a good diet that includes fresh fruit and veg. won't harm! Good luck and stay well. TAD x

[katieoxo60]

Stress and overweight don't help most lung conditions, but exercise within your own limitations can make you feel better and puts you in control of your own disabilities.Everyone is different and their illness effects them in different ways, you need to do what makes you feel better and in your own time scale.Good Luck

[Hidden]

Hi,

I have been diagnosed with COPD 2yrs ago, and really didnt look after myself, leading to weight gain and more health problems. basically everything was getting to be a major effort and i was getting out of breath so easy. So after cutting out some of the junk food, i bought myself an exercise bike, and set myself a modest mileage target - increasing weekly. Overtime, i have seen the waistline shrink abit, but more importantly im breathing better and i find i can do things for longer, so yes i think it helps

Take Care

Muckster

[puffers]

Hi, I believe if you don't use it you will lose it. I didn't realize how unfit I was until I was sent on an eight week rehab course. On completion of this course my attitude changed. I am still over weight but am trying to work on this. I now run a weekly exercise class, go to tai chi, walk the dog and in myself am a lot happier. I believe this is all down to exercise. I may huff and puff a bit but I can do things now I couldn't do a year ago.

[stu_webb]

yes hi puffers thanks for that i have also upped my game regarding my health ie exercising regular in gym walking and this combined with weight loss has really made a difference to my breathing and also mentally

i