Lungnet

Important steps for better living with COPD

Although there is no cure for COPD, symptoms can be controlled to improve your quality of life.  The lung and airway damage cannot be repaired, but all of the symptoms of COPD can be reduced if you take action.  Your quality of life can be improved and the length of your life can be extended.  You can live well with COPD.  It's up to you to take control.

• Enrol in a pulmonary rehabilitation program
• Exercise safely and regularly
• Learn breathing control techniques
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Understand how your medications work
• Protect yourself against chest infections
• Quit smoking
• Use oxygen therapy
• Communicate well with your doctor
• Contact The Australian Lung Foundation
• Join a LungNet support group

For further information on these important steps, contact The Australian Lung Foundation free phone number 1 800 654 301 or go to the Special Edition of the Lungnet News PDF file.

Content updated March 10, 2008