Managing Your COPD With Complementary Treatments

Medications are used to help you manage your condition. And also to treat your COPD symptoms during flare ups. But they aren’t your only option. In fact, complementary treatments are available. They’re different from your medications. But they aren’t necessarily better for managing your condition. You should speak with your doctor before making any changes to your current treatment plan.

Lifestyle Changes

This goes without saying. And it’s a complementary treatment option that many doctors recommend. In fact, diet changes and regular exercise not only improves your overall health, but also your respiratory health. It’s a win-win!

• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Avoid irritants
• Remain active by exercising regularly
• Consider regular vaccinations to reduce your risk for certain infections

Mindy-Body Approaches

Mind-body approaches are complementary treatments that include meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques. Mind-body approaches don’t treat your COPD symptoms. However, they help with the emotional effects of COPD. Such as anxiety that happens with breathlessness or symptom exacerbation. Or depression.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for centuries. It’s a complementary treatment for asthma. Given the overlap of conditions, it should come as no surprise that it’s also a complementary treatment for COPD.

Acupuncture involves inserting small needles into different parts of your body. Acupuncture may help with inflammation. But it hasn’t been proven to do much else. Thus, it shouldn’t be used in place of your prescribed medication.

Antioxidant Vitamins

You’ve heard of antioxidant vitamins. For instance, vitamins A, C, and E. But do you know what makes them antioxidant? They remove potentially damaging oxidants from cells. But that isn’t all they do. They also protect your body’s cells and repair tissues in your lungs.

Antioxidant vitamins sound great. And they are a good complementary treatment. Even a good preventative treatment. But they alone can’t manage your COPD. What does that mean? You may use them. But please use them with your COPD medications. Speak with your doctor before adding vitamins to your daily regimen.

Essential Oils

Lastly are essential oils. Many essential oils have antioxidant properties. Antioxidant properties prevent or slow damage to your cells. So for respiratory conditions, they help with lung function. And they protect against inflammation. Eucalyptus oil is one essential oil used for COPD. It stimulates your immune system. And also opens your airways.

Essential oils offer promising benefits. But they also have risks. Firstly, they’re an irritant. They can irritate your airways. And make your condition worse. They can also irritant your skin and cause chemical burns. So, you should dilute it before use.