Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a general term for the narrowing of the small bronchi, the smaller airways that carry air to the lungs. The two prime diseases that make up COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The American Lung Association suggests these steps to help protect you from COPD:
- Don't smoke, and quit if you currently smoke.
- Stay away from secondhand smoke, and don't allow other people to smoke in your home.
- Avoid exposure to lung-damaging chemicals.
- Take steps to help promote clean air in your community.
- Schedule a visit with your doctor if you suspect that you may have COPD, particularly if you are 45 or older and have a history of smoking.
Health Tip: Be Careful While Using Oxygen Therapy
While you're using at-home oxygen therapy, remember that you'll need to be very cautious around anything that has a flame or can ignite.
The ADAM Encyclopedia offers these safety suggestions:
- Make sure there are working smoke detectors throughout your home, and keep a fire extinguisher handy.
- Never smoke or allow smoking around the oxygen; stay a minimum of 6 feet from any smoker.
- Keep the oxygen at least 6 feet from any fireplace, stove or electric appliance such as a hairdryer, electric toothbrush or razor, electric blanket, electric toy, space heater or electric baseboard heater.
- Keep the oxygen as far away as possible from an oven or stove while cooking, and be very wary of grease splatters.
- Keep the oxygen away from any flammable liquid.
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