COPD has a significant impact on your quality of life. Along with physical symptoms, people with COPD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Medical treatments will improve your breathing but the support from your partner will also play a crucial role in your symptoms management.
Educate your partner about COPD
Understanding your condition is not easy for people without COPD. Consider explaining to your partner how COPD is affecting you. It will help them understand what you are going through. You can show them the other articles about COPD on your moveUP application.
Recognizing signs of distress and complications can also be a great help from your partner. They should be aware of any worsening of your symptoms: shortness of breath, cough or wheezing.
Be active together
Regular exercise can strengthen your respiratory muscles and improve your breathing in the long term. To help you maintain a physical activity routine, consider exercising with your partner. It will improve your motivation.
Healthy together
As you are most likely to develop respiratory infections, it is crucial for your partner to be careful about his/her/their health as well. This includes getting an annual flu shot. If your partner catches a cold or gets sick, please take appropriate precautions.
Inside the house
Keep in mind to keep the indoor quality of air clean. Be sure you or your partner not to use strong scented cleaning products and not to wear strong perfumes, lotions, or hairsprays. All of these can trigger a flare in people with COPD.
No smoking in your surroundings
Smoking is the main risk factor for COPD. But it does not only concerns you, but also your family and friends, especially your partner. If your partner or someone close to you smokes, encourage them to quit or at least not to smoke in your presence.