The holidays are full of traditions and, often, indulgences. When you have COPD, some of these can be harmful to your health. Here are a few things you should avoid for a healthier holiday season.
Don’t eat large quantities of food at one time.
Oxygen and food are the main ingredients in metabolism, which creates energy and carbon dioxide. Eating the right mix of nutrients can help you breathe easier. Overeating may add pressure on your diaphragm, making it harder to breathe. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about a diet that will help support easier breathing.
Limit salty foods.
Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure by causing edema (swelling) in the body. Instead of using salt to season foods, try herbs and spices. Watch for hidden salts in processed foods and those cooked with fatback, shortening and frying oils.
Keep alcohol drinking to a minimum.
Studies have shown that drinking excessive alcohol can reduce lung function in those with lung disease and can reduce the body’s ability to clear mucous from the airways. Alcohol also interferes with the effectiveness of many medications, including steroids and antibiotics.
Stay away from people who are smoking, including e-cigarettes.
Cigarette and e-cigarette smoke and vaping are very harmful to people with COPD. Avoid any situations where you might be exposed.
Avoid crowds of people and people you don’t see regularly.
Viruses, such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19, and bacteria that cause pneumonia can be very serious for people with COPD. By practicing social distancing, you decrease your chance of exposure to these illnesses. If social distancing is not possible, wearing a face mask can reduce the chances of infection. You should also wash your hands frequently, disinfect high-touch surfaces, and avoid anyone who might be sick, even if they are close family.
Be up-to-date with your vaccinations.
Flu vaccine. The flu (influenza) can cause more than just the typical fever, chills, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache and muscle aches. If the virus gets to the lungs, it can be very serious, especially for older adults who are at higher risk for developing serious complications like pneumonia. It is also very easy to pass from person to person. The National Institutes of Health recommends adults receive a flu vaccine every year around September or October, especially if that person has a chronic disease like COPD.
Pneumococcal vaccine. All adults 50 years or older and adults 18 through 49 with certain risk conditions should get the pneumococcal vaccine. While pneumococcal disease is very common in young children, older adults are at greatest risk of serious illness or death. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect adults from getting a serious infection, including pneumonia. This is especially important if the older adult will be around children who may unknowingly carry and pass along the illness.
RSV vaccine. Many people think of RSV as a children’s virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Unfortunately, older adults and adults with a chronic disease and/or a weakened immune system are at a higher risk of severe symptoms and are more likely to need to be hospitalized. Sometimes, it is life-threatening. The good news is RSV vaccines are available and help protect older adults from serious health problems. Adults 60 years and older should talk with their health care provider about the RSV vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccine. While not as broadly spoken of as it was a few years ago, COVID-19 is still around. It is a respiratory disease that causes fever, cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms. Older adults are more likely to get sick with COVID-19 than younger people. Research has shown that the COVID-19 vaccine not only reduces the risk of getting the disease but also reduces the severity of the symptoms and helps keep people out of the hospital if they do get it.
More to Read
- How and Why You Should Limit Your Salt Intake
- Cooking with Spices for Flavor and Health
- Nutrition for Lung Health and COPD
- Not Feeling the Holiday Joy? See Our Tips for Keeping the Holidays Merry.
Medically reviewed by Jason Heavner, MD.
