Exhale
The official blog of the Lung Institute.
Lung Institute’s Cellular Therapies Are Helping Patients Breathe Easier
Tampa, Fla. (December 12, 2013) – Individuals with lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis have difficulty getting from place to place and performing some of life’s simplest tasks, like walking to the mailbox. The symptoms associated with these diseases can be exacerbated during the stress of the holiday season.
Therefore, the Lung Institute has put together some helpful tips for people with lung disease to manage stress over the holidays.
Tip 4: Avoid Triggers
The holidays usually get us out of our typical day-to-day routine. Remember to avoid triggers at all times. Triggers may include tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution, wood fires, candles, fragrances, extreme cold or warm weather, outdoor pollution and allergens.
Tip 3: Get a Flu Shot
It’s never too late to get a flu shot, and many pharmacies will do it for free. People with COPD are especially susceptible to contracting respiratory viruses and infections, such as the flu and pneumonia. It is important to ensure that all vaccinations are up-to-date. Contracting a virus can lead to increased inflammation in the lungs and bacterial infections.
Tip 2: Know the Weather
It’s important to keep an eye on the forecast. Depending on the weather, you’ll need to dress appropriately. For example, if it’s cold outside, covering your face with a scarf or a CT Mask can help you breathe warm, moist arm. However, if extremes in weather are part of your triggers, you may need to consider staying inside during days that are very cold or very hot. It’s important to discuss this with you doctor.
Tip 1: Relax
People with chronic lung diseases should not let themselves get worked up. Raised stress levels can amplify symptoms or cause a craving to light up a cigarette. Try to relax as much as possible. When stress levels are reaching their breaking point, take a step away from everything and try to let it all go.
About Lung Institute
The Lung Institute is a leading medical provider of regenerative cellular therapy for lung diseases such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease. Founded in 2013 in Tampa, Fla., the Lung Institute currently has clinics in Tampa, Fla., Nashville, Tenn., Scottsdale, Ariz., Pittsburgh, Pa. and Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.lunginstitute.com or call (800) 729-3065.
