Being diagnosed with a chronic lung disease, like COPD, can cause feelings of worry and uncertainty. Shortness of breath, coughing up mucus and chest tightness are common symptoms of COPD, but they can also be symptoms of other chronic health conditions, so a positive COPD diagnosis can be shocking.
But learning how to manage your symptoms can help you live a long, healthy life. “Understanding what COPD is and what to expect helps reduce fear and increases engagement in care,” said Francesca Polverino, MD, PhD. As the lead of a COPD translational research group at Baylor College of Medicine, she understands the challenges many newly diagnosed patients face. “The path forward is often clearer than it initially seems, and patients should not be alone in it,” she continued.
Following these tips can help you navigate living with COPD and allow you to take charge of your health.
1. Learn All About COPD
Initially after diagnosis, it is natural to want to learn all you can about COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive disease that limits air flow and can cause breathing-related symptoms. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are considered the two main types. Anyone can develop COPD. Smoking or having a smoking history, occupational exposure to air pollutants, and a history of respiratory related illness can increase your risk.
When you are first diagnosed, your healthcare provider may stage your COPD. There are four stages of COPD, and your healthcare provider can use your staging to determine the best course of treatment. Monitoring your symptoms and reporting when they get worse or when new ones develop can help your healthcare provider adjust your treatment so that you can stay active.
Breathing exercises can ease your symptoms, help conserve your energy and control your breathing. Common techniques include pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing). Your primary care provider or respiratory therapist can provide you with other methods for breathing more efficiently throughout the day. You can also take the free, one-hour COPD Basics course to learn more about living with COPD.
2. Quit Smoking
People living with COPD can improve their overall health in a variety of ways. The first and most important one is to quit smoking or using tobacco products, if you are currently using them. The chemicals in cigarette smoke weaken your lung’s immune response, cause swelling and narrowing of air passages, and destroy air sacs.
Secondhand smoke and using tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and cigars can worsen symptoms and may cause an exacerbation or COPD flare up. Quitting tobacco is hard, so utilize programs like Freedom From Smoking to help you quit for good.
3. Make Lifestyle Changes
There is no cure for COPD, but making some lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms. “Many people live long, active and full lives with this condition. It requires willingness to adapt, but with the right care and mindset, there is a lot that can be done to stay well,” Dr. Polverino explained. “Rather than focusing on limitations, I encourage patients to view this as a starting point for taking charge of their health.” She suggests monitoring these ideas in particular:
- Diet: Some people with COPD may struggle to eat enough because of their shortness of breath, tiredness or fatigue. Others may struggle to eat foods that have enough nutrients to support better breathing. Eating the right foods can help you maintain a healthy weight. If you are concerned about your weight or diet, talk with your healthcare provider or meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
- Physical Activity: It can be a struggle to remain active if you are having trouble breathing, but exercising regularly will improve your breathing and overall wellness. However, it's important to have a balance because working out too hard or for too long can worsen COPD symptoms. Before you get started, consult your healthcare provider about safe and appropriate exercise programs. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are another great place to learn about staying active safely.
- Vaccinations: Be sure to get your annual flu vaccine. Your healthcare provider may also suggest other vaccinations to protect you against infectious lung diseases like pneumococcal pneumonia, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines to help prevent infections that can trigger flare-ups.
- Emotional Health: Many people living with COPD may find everyday management to cause anxiety. Feeling sadness and fear is also common, and these feelings should not be ignored. Talk with your healthcare provider about new or changes in your emotional health.
4. Always Take Medications and Attend Appointments as Suggested
Once you create a treatment and management plan with your healthcare provider, it is crucial to stick to it. The type of medication you are prescribed is determined by your COPD stage, symptoms, risk for COPD exacerbations or flareups and if you have other chronic health conditions. You should always take your medication as directed, including inhaled medications, to help manage your symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
If you have any concerns about your ability to stick to your plan or afford your medication, contact your primary care provider and ask about more affordable medication options. Similarly, always attend all your scheduled appointments, even if you are feeling well. Regularly monitoring your lung function is important.
A COPD Action Plan, a personalized worksheet filled out by you and your healthcare provider, can help prepare you for an emergency. Your plan will include information about your medications, what to do when your symptoms get worse and who to contact in case of a COPD emergency.
Staying in close contact with your healthcare team can help you adjust your treatment plan and address any concerns. “This is not a disease to manage passively. I always encourage patients to ask questions and to track symptoms, medication effects and triggers,” Dr. Polverino agreed. “Regular check-ins with your provider, particularly in the first year, help monitor progress, adjust treatments, and intervene early if things worsen.”
5. Lean on Others for Comfort and Support
When you are diagnosed with COPD, it is important to remember that you are not alone. A healthcare team, which may include a pulmonologist, a respiratory therapist and your primary care provider, can help answer your questions. They may connect you with a variety of providers, depending on your specific needs.
Connecting with other people with COPD who can share their similar experiences can make this process feel less lonely. Joining a pulmonary rehabilitation program or support group like a Better Breathers Club or online Inspire Community can help you find others who are dealing with the same situations you are. “I always recommend support groups, which can be profoundly validating. Involving family or close friends early on can also ease the emotional burden and ensure patients have support for appointments, medication management, and lifestyle changes,” Dr. Polverino said. “The path forward is often clearer than it initially seems, and patients should not be alone in it.
Blog last updated: May 15, 2025
