COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a common lung disease that causes difficulty in breathing and there are millions of cases of COPD recorded every year. There are two main forms of the condition, these are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The former is characterized by long term cough with mucus while the latter is a condition that leads to long-term damage to the lungs.

The damage caused to the lungs due to the condition cannot be reversed. COPD requires medical treatments along with lifestyle and dietary changes for one to manage it. Those at risk of COPD can also be at risk for serious complications as a result of it, which can be fatal.

1. What are the stages of COPD?
COPD has 4 stages of symptoms.

• Mild: This is the stage where the airflow is limited and can cause mucus and cough once in a while.
• Moderate: The airflow is worse in this stage and the person may experience shortness of breath. This is the stage where the condition is usually diagnosed.
• Severe: At this stage, the airflow and the shortness of breath are a lot worse. Exercise and any other rigorous should be avoided.
• Very severe: The airflow is limited at this stage and the flares are more intense and regular.

2. What are the symptoms of COPD?
The symptoms of COPD varies with the stage of the disease. Here are some of the general signs of it.

• Shortness in breath
• Cough
• Needing to clear the throat often
• Tightness in the chest
• Lack of energy
• Excess mucus
• Frequent colds
• Weight loss

These are some of the common symptoms that must not be ignored if noticed.

3. What are the causes of COPD?
The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Over 90% of the people in the country who have COPD are smokers or former smokers. The risk is even higher if you have asthma and you are a smoker. Long-term exposure to air pollution and other pollutants is also considered a vital cause of the condition.

4. How is COPD diagnosed?
While there is no single test to diagnose COPD, symptoms, a physical and diagnostic test can help determine the condition. Here are some of the tests that are taken to diagnose the condition.

• Spirometry
• Imaging tests like a CT scan and X-ray
• Arterial blood gas test

5. How COPD is treated?
Treatment for COPD helps ease the symptoms and prevents the disease from getting further complicated. Here are some of the suggested and most common ways of treating COPD.

• Medications
• Oxygen therapy
• Surgery

6. What are the lifestyle changes that can provide relief from COPD?
Certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms of COPD.

• Quit smoking if you are a smoker.
• Avoid getting in the way of any second-hand smoke or chemical fumes.
• A COPD diet that is filled with nutrition is essential.
• Work with your doctor on finding exercises that are safe for you.

7. What is the best diet recommended for patients with COPD?
While there is no particular COPD diet, healthy dietary intake is vital for maintaining the overall health and keeping the immune system strong. Nutritious food groups like vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy are a must in your daily diet. Apart from this, plenty of water must be consumed.

8. What are the specific foods that can keep your lungs healthy?
Here are some of the specific foods that you must have in your COPD diet.

• Fatty fish
• Apricots
• Apples
• Poultry
• Broccoli
• Beans
• Walnuts
• Berries

Ensure you consume a few of these daily to keep your lungs healthy.

9. What are the foods that must not be consumed as a part of the COPD diet?
Here are a few foods that are best avoided if you have COPD.

• Caffeinated beverages
• Excess salt
• Sugar- and trans-fats-rich foods