Living with COPD at home: inhaler technique, breathing methods and flare-up signs

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a long-term condition in which narrowed airways make breathing harder. It does not go away, but correct use of medicines, stopping smoking and spotting flare-ups early can protect quality of life considerably.

Inhaler technique: getting the medicine into the lungs

With poor technique much of the medicine can end up in the throat. Every device works differently. At check-ups, ask your relative to show the doctor or pharmacist how they use the inhaler. If hand strength or coordination is a problem, ask about a spacer or a different device. Also check whether the mouth should be rinsed after steroid inhalers.

Techniques for managing breathlessness

• Pursed-lip breathing: breathe in through the nose for two seconds, then out through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle, for four seconds.
• Leaning forward: sitting with elbows resting on the knees or a table can ease breathing.
• Panic makes breathlessness worse; breathe slowly together in a calm voice.
• Ask the doctor whether a pulmonary rehabilitation programme is suitable.

Using energy wisely

Plan heavier tasks for the time of day they feel best, keep frequently used items between waist and shoulder height, and try washing seated in the shower and using a towelling robe. Breathing out on each step on the stairs reduces tiredness. Inactivity weakens muscles and increases breathlessness, so appropriate activity matters.

Flare-ups: spotting them early

• Noticeably more breathless than usual
• More sputum, or sputum turning yellow-green
• More wheezing and coughing, fever
• Needing the reliever inhaler more often

With these signs, follow the flare-up plan the doctor gave you and contact the doctor. If they are too breathless to speak, or have blue lips or fingertips, confusion, drowsiness or chest pain, call your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye and across the EU).

Oxygen safety at home

• No smoking where oxygen is used; keep away from hobs, candles and open flames.
• Set the flow rate only as the doctor prescribed; more is not better.
• Route tubing so it does not cause trips and falls.
• Agree maintenance and what to do in a power cut with the supplier.

Preventing infections

Chest infections can trigger flare-ups. Discuss flu and pneumonia vaccines with the doctor, keep up hand hygiene and postpone visits from people who are unwell. Stopping smoking helps at any age. In Türkiye, the ALO 171 quitline offers free support; elsewhere, ask your GP or pharmacist about local stop-smoking services.