A mature woman chatting with her partner and petting their dog at the same time.

Living with COPD

Knowing more about COPD can help you better manage your symptoms and enjoy the small but important things in life—like spending time with family and friends or going about your daily routine.¹

An elderly woman sits with a book on her lap, looking out the window.

Help manage your disease

There are actions you can take to help manage your everyday symptoms of COPD, which may reduce the likelihood of an exacerbation and the associated risk of causing irreversible damage to your lungs:²⁻⁵

Stop smoking

Smoking cessation decreases the amount of harmful chemicals in your lungs that can trigger exacerbations. Speak to your healthcare professional for advice and support to stop smoking.

Keep active

Movement, as recommended by your healthcare professional, can help you continue to do the things you care about. Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended, however ask your healthcare professional if this is right for you. It is not suitable for everyone and will be recommended by your healthcare professional on a case-by-case basis.

Connect with others

In support groups, you can talk about your COPD openly. You can relate to one another, share strategies, and find connections.

An elderly couple kisses tenderly while sitting on the steps of a porch.

Looking out for loved ones

Living with or caring for someone with COPD can be challenging. You deserve to take back control in your life knowing that your loved one is receiving the right care and information to manage their condition.⁶⁻⁸

Ask for help

You may feel isolated, frustrated and upset when looking after your loved one. But friends, family, and other members of your community may be waiting for you to reach out.

2 people holding each other by the shoulder

Join a support group

You’re not alone. Joining a support group for caregivers of people with serious illnesses is a great way to connect and find help.
Asthma + Lung UK have a great helpline and support groups you can reach out to https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/groups-support

Practise self-care

While it can be easy to focus solely on your loved one, it’s essential to prioritise your own health, including your mental and social wellness.

Supporting organisations

Asthma + Lung UK

To meet with other patients and access some additional resources about COPD, visit the Asthma + Lung UK website

Learn more

COPD References

Treating COPD. American Lung Association. Apr 2024. Available at: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/treating. Date accessed: Oct 2024.
What can you do to manage your COPD? Asthma + Lung UK. May 2022. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/what-can-you-do-manage-your-copd. Date accessed: Oct 2024.
Kerkhof M, et al. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2020;15:1909–1918.
Living with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NHS. Apr 2023. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/living-with/. Date accessed: Oct 2024.
Treatment Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). NHS. Apr 2023. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/treatment/. Date accessed: Oct 2024.
How to care for someone with a lung condition. Asthma + Lung UK. Feb 2023. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/caring/how-care-someone-lung-condition. Date accessed: Oct 2024.
Farquhar M. Chron Respir Dis. 2018;15(1):26–35.
The COPD Caregiver's Toolkit. How do I take care of myself while managing someone else’s care? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Apr 2022. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/COPD-CaregiversToolkit-Taking-Care-of-Self.pdf. Date accessed: Oct 2024.