Bronchiectasis: Lifestyle Management
A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone. Here are some tips to consider:
- Exercise regularly as directed by your health care provider. This helps you breathe easier by improving your muscle strength and tone and helps improve clearing the mucus from the airways.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
- Give up smoking and avoid exposure to passive smoke. Ask your health care provider for techniques to help you give up smoking.
- Get a flu shot every year in the fall. Get a pneumococcal vaccine every 5 or 6 years as recommended by your health care provider.
Living with bronchiectasis is a unique and special challenge that you and your family must deal with on a daily basis. But the more you know about bronchiectaisis, the better suited you are in managing the various aspects of your disease. As you take control, your quality of life will improve.
Be sure to talk with your health care provider if you have questions or concerns about your plan. Write down any questions you have and ask your health care provider at your next appointment.
This information has been approved by Carlos Perez-Velez, MD (January 2009).
