Information and education topics are tailored to the needs of the group. Topics that the information sessions may cover are: How the lungs work. How to live well with your lung problem. How to manage a flare-up or exacerbation. How to clear your chest. Medicines and inhalers. Help to stop smoking. How to control your […]
You may find you have a dry mouth from time to time. Using oxygen, nebulisers and inhalers can sometimes cause this. It can make it difficult to chew and swallow foods. Some medicines can also give you a dry mouth. Check with your GP if this is a problem for you. If you are struggling […]
If you are suffering from shortness of breath you may wish to consider the following: Clear airways one hour before eating. Take your inhaler before you eat. Eat while sitting up to ease the pressure on your lungs and help them expand more easily. Eat more slowly. Finger foods can be a good alternative if low […]
When you are planning meals: Try to eat nutritious foods. Don’t skip meals, eating regularly helps your energy levels. See the section on Healthy Eating for more information. Planning your meals in advance can help. Consider resting between cooking and eating. Small meals, more often, can be better for you if you are breathless when […]
Try to allow yourself time in the mornings to do all the washing, dressing and grooming tasks without rushing. On days when you feel your asthma and breathing are not so good, have a simplified morning routine as a back up. For example take your inhalers and rest before you attempt washing, shower or dressing. […]
Some people with asthma find they feel at their worst first thing in the morning. You may not have slept well, you may be bothered by secretions. You may feel your muscles are stiff or sore until you get moving again. Take your peak flow measurements before using your inhaler. Have your inhalers beside your […]
Do prepare: Times to avoid sexual activity: Clear any chest secretions using your chest clearance technique. Use your bronchodilator inhaler or nebuliser prior to sexual activity. You use the same amount of oxygen during sex as you would during physical activity. Use breathing control as you would with any other activity and have rests as […]
Do’s DON’Ts DO be sure to carry any sprays or inhalers with you when you exercise as advised by your health care professional. DO always warm up. Begin with some gentle movements to warm up your muscle and prepare your body for exercise. DO work at your own level. Here are some symptoms you will […]
Many people with COPD find they feel at their worst first thing in the morning. This is part of the disease pattern. You may not have slept well, you may be bothered by secretions / phlegm. You may feel your muscles are stiff or sore until you get moving again. Chest clearance exercises will help […]
Long-acting bronchodilators should only be taken along with inhaled corticosteroids – this is usually done as part of a combination inhaler but can be given as a separate inhaler as long as you are also taking the inhaled corticosteroid regularly. Please note: These are the most commonly used inhalers at the time of publication of […]
