COPD: Avoiding your triggers
How can you avoid triggers?
There are many things you can do to avoid triggers and stay as healthy as you can.
Avoid triggers in the air
- Quit smoking. This is the most important thing you can do. Also stay away from other people who are smoking.
- Use an air conditioner or air filter in your home.
- Cook near an open door or window, or turn on your kitchen fan.
- If there is a lot of pollution or dust outside, stay at home and keep your windows closed.
Protect your health
- Get a flu shot each fall.
- Talk to your doctor about getting a shot for pneumonia.
- Wash your hands to avoid infections.
- Eat healthy foods, exercise, and get enough rest.
- Refill your medicines before you run out.
- Take extra medicines with you when you travel.
Test Your Knowledge
It is okay for me to be around other people who smoke, as long as I don't smoke.
Getting a flu shot can help me avoid one of the triggers of COPD.
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| Author: | Ralph Poore | Last Updated: November 20, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology | |
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