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3. Avoid Environmental Pollutants
You may not be able to control the quality of the air you breathe, but you can limit your exposure to pollutants, which are well known triggers of COPD flare-ups.
Get in the habit of checking the air quality index (AQI) on AIRNow.gov. Exercise early in the morning when ozone is low, especially on warmer days in the summer. Exercise indoors more often, or if you choose outdoors, try to not run or bike within 400 meters of a busy roadway. Avoid rush hour traffic, when the air pollution is high.
When sitting in your car, set the fan on re-circulate and regularly replace the car’s air filters. For your home, consider investing into HEPA filters, ventilating rooms by opening windows regularly, removing clutter (which collects dust), and keeping the floors and carpets clean. Do not allow smokers to smoke around you, especially when you are indoors.
Keep an eye out for these early signs of depression so you can get treatment started and avoid emotional catastrophe.
