To help prevent mold in your home, keep the humidity between 30-60%. [4] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source If you find mold, clean the affected surface with a detergent and dry the surface completely. Prevent condensation by properly insulating areas. Avoid installing carpet in bathrooms or kitchens, where sink splashes may keep the carpet damp. Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as masks or respirators when cleaning moldy areas.
Talk to your healthcare provider to see if you are a candidate for influenza and/or pneumonia vaccinations. Avoid contact with people with influenza and/or pneumonia. If you must come into contact with people with influenza and/or pneumonia, wear appropriate protection, such as a mask, gloves, or gown.
You can monitor the Air Quality Index in the region where you live. This information and some guidelines for exposure are available at http://www. airnow. gov/. If you are going to be in an environment where there are aerosolized particles or chemical vapors, it is important to wear proper protective equipment. Get fitted for a mask or respirator. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines about which masks or respirators are best for certain exposures.
Ventilate your home properly with clean outdoor air. Get rid of the source of the pollutants, if possible. Install a home air cleaner. [8] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
Write down your diagnoses or have your healthcare provider write down your diagnoses. Ask your healthcare provider about resources to better understand your medical conditions.
Write down, or have your healthcare provider write down, the names of all of your medications and treatments. Ask for resources to read about the specific drugs and treatments you may be receiving.
Beclomethasone dipropionate (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD and asthma) Fluticasione propionate (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD and asthma) [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Flunisolide (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD and asthma) Budesonide (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD and asthma) [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Mometasone (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD and asthma) Ciclesonide (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD and asthma) Methylprednisone (oral steroid used to treat COPD and asthma) Prednisolone (oral steroid used to treat COPD and asthma) [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Prednisone (oral steroid used to treat COPD and asthma) Hydrocortisone (oral steroid used to treat COPD and asthma) [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Dexamethasone (oral steroid used to treat COPD and asthma) Cromolyn sodium (inhaled nonsteroid used to treat COPD) [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Nedocromil sodium (inhaled nonsteroid used to treat COPD) Amoxicillin (antibiotic used to treat bacterial pneumonia) Benzylpenicillin (antibiotic used to treat bacterial pneumonia) Azithromycin (antibiotic used to treat bacterial pneumonia) Pirfenidone (drug used to slow lung scarring caused by pulmonary fibrosis) [15] X Research source Nintedanib (drug used to slow lung scarring caused by pulmonary fibrosis) [16] X Research source Ceftriaxone (antibiotic used to treat pneumonia and respiratory infections)[17] X Research source Supplemental oxygen (used to ease symptoms in a wide range of lung disorders)
Consider writing down your goals and what you don’t like about smoking. Gather a support system. Discuss your plans to quit smoking with you friends and family. Surround yourself with those who can support you. Consult a smoking cessation professional. Smoking cessation professionals can help you create a plan of attack to be successful.
Ensure you have adequate intake of Vitamin C. Vitamin C and zinc have been shown to improve the human immune system and also to improve the outcome of pneumonia and other infections. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Get enough sleep. Studies have shown that individuals who do not get enough sleep are more susceptible to infections and recover more slowly after becoming ill. [21] X Research source
Get 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Brisk walking and swimming are examples of moderate exercise. Plan to eat healthy. Eat foods high in nutrient content. Avoid processed foods and alcohol. If you need help creating a healthy eating plan, talk to a dietician. Be consistent. Sticking with your healthy eating plan, exercise, and surrounding yourself with a support group can make long-term success a reality. The Mediterranean diet can help reduce inflammation in the body, including in your lungs. [24] X Expert Source Ni-Cheng Liang, MDBoard Certified Pulmonologist Expert Interview. 18 June 2021. Red meat and dairy can be inflammatory. Try to limit them as much as possible or switch to a plant-based diet. [25] X Expert Source Ni-Cheng Liang, MDBoard Certified Pulmonologist Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.
