While chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is difficult to live with, there are several ways to make life more comfortable. Here are four tips for coping with chronic lung disease.

Stop Smoking

Nicotine addiction isn’t easy to fight off, but cutting cigarettes out of your life is the most effective way to reduce discomfort. Remember, you’re not alone in this fight! More than three million Americans stop smoking every year, so it’s possible. Talk with your doctor about medications and nicotine replacement therapy. You can also consider joining a group program or starting counseling to help.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise and a balanced diet are essential in combatting the worst symptoms of COPD. Improving your physical fitness can reduce feelings of breathlessness, and COPD is even more difficult for patients battling obesity. Try switching to smaller, more frequent meals with at least one fruit or vegetable.

Always keep water on hand and develop smart hydration habits. An excellent way to gauge how much water you need is to take your weight, divide it in half, and drink that many ounces of water each day.

You should also get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Opt for low-impact activities like lifting light weights or taking brisk walks.

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleep is an essential part of healing, so do everything you can to ensure a full night’s rest. Avoid napping during the day, so you go to bed tired each night. Avoid drinking caffeine in the evenings and stick to one cup of coffee a day. You can also try enjoying a high-protein snack an hour before bed, like a handful of nuts.

Use Oxygen Therapy

Some patients with severe COPD may need supplemental oxygen to breathe normally. There are a few steps to qualifying for home oxygen therapy, so talk to your doctor and find out what you need to do to get an oxygen concentrator for your home.

Now that you know these four tips for coping with chronic lung disease, take steps to reduce breathlessness and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.