Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It is the third leading cause of death in the world. More than 16.4 million people in the USA alone have been diagnosed with COPD. According to some estimates around 50%-90% of worldwide cases are undiagnosed. Symptoms include frequent coughing or wheezing, excess phlegm and shortness of breath. Since COPD affects the lungs, it can increase the risk of severe complications if the individual contracts any respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.

COPD can be caused by:

• Pollution and fumes
• Particulate matter (PM2.5)
• Smoking
• Secondhand smoke

Here are 4 proven ways to combat the symptoms of COPD.

1. Spend more time at the beach. Based on research¹, the American Lung Association has recommended salt therapy or the process of inhaling salty air particles for people with COPD. This is aerosolized ions containing both salt and water. These particles possess the anti-bacterial effect of killing virus, bacteria and reducing inflammation. 

2. Elevate your head at night. Lung capacity is lower when you are flat on your back. To help your lung function at night, the best position would be to position your head higher than the rest of your body.
3. Eat less carbohydrates. COPD patients have a reduced ability to exhale carbon dioxide adequately which then builds up in their bloodstream. A reduced carbohydrate diet results in lower carbon dioxide production which helps COPD manage their symptoms better.
4. Filter your air. Studies have proven that filtering the air using air purifiers led to improved blood vessel function, which could contribute to better heart health. It also helped in reducing the airborne dust particles and airborne allergens, gases, VOC’s from the air. The benefits of capturing large number of allergens and dust particles by the air purifiers resulted in better respiratory function. Air filters have a positive impact on vascular health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends reducing exposure to air pollutants at home and work to prevent early development of COPD.

Beware: Not all air purifiers can help!

While an air purifier can be very instrumental in ensuring that the air you breathe is allergen-free, there are some air purifiers which could do more harm than good. It is important to choose the right air purifier. Use the following guidelines when purchasing air purifiers for COPD.

• Make sure they are Ozone free: Some air purifiers in the market produce ozone which can aggravate lung issues. It is important to buy air purifiers which are CARB (California Air Resource Board) certified.
• Avoid buying air purifiers which use ionizers. This air cleaning technology operates by emitting a cloud of charged ions into the air that latches onto airborne contaminants. This process forces these impurities to fall onto the floor and nearby surfaces.

Airpura UV600 can reduce symptoms from COPD and lung issues.

Viruses, bacteria, mold, chemicals, and particles go through four levels of filtration for complete removal of VOC’s and airborne microorganisms like influenza, gastro and even SARS-CoV-2.

• Airpura's 18 lbs of custom blended activated carbon adsorbs chemicals, VOC's, gases, and odors
• Medical grade HEPA filter provides powerful particle reduction of 99.97% of particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns (including PM2.5, pollen, dust, dander) 
• Prefilter captures larger particles like dust, pollen and pet dander. It also prevents them from clogging the HEPA filter
• UV light that provides an additional level of protection against pathogens.

Airpura I600 with a carbon filter upgrade is the best air purifier to help manage COPD and lung issues. It has an extra-large capacity HEPA filter in a pressure sealed filter chamber traps 99.97% of airborne particles, as small as 0.3 microns.

1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18019972/