At CPAPCentral.com, we know all about the problems that come with not being able to breathe properly. And while we tend to deal mostly with individuals who have trouble breathing at night due to sleep apnea and need CPAP machines to help them sleep, there are millions of people across America who have trouble breathing normally while they’re awake.

“Imagine what life would be like if you had to breathe through a straw all the time,” said Aimee Bulthuis of the COPD Foundation. “That’s what it feels like for people living with COPD.”

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition that makes breathing very difficult for the 24 million Americans that have it. For those living with the disease, daily tasks can be both physically and mentally exhausting.

In fact, many individuals at risk for developing COPD can also be at risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea, especially those who smoke. COPD and obstructive sleep apnea can actually overlap in individuals, known as Overlap Syndrome, which makes both conditions worse.

Luckily, there are many resources available to help ease the impact of the disease. Below are 4 non-traditional remedies from an article in Everyday Health that can help alleviate COPD symptoms!

Harmonica Therapy

The harmonica is one of the few instruments that requires breathing in and out. This exercise helps stimulate breathing control which can help expand lung capacity and reduce COPD symptoms. Harmonica Therapy also helps ease the anxiety that often arises from the disease.

Yoga

Yoga has great benefits for COPD patients. Primarily, the exercise helps teach COPD patients to listen to their body.  Additionally, it has great benefits for lung function. According to a study in the American Journal of Therapeutics, one hour of yoga three times a week can improve lung function!

Walking

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for people living with COPD. However, the physical activity required to do so can be scary when breathing is difficult. Walking is less daunting and can be a very effective form of exercise!

Volunteering

Volunteering may not seem like it’d help people with COPD, but Sandra Adams, MD, MS, a pulmonologist at University Hospital and the South Veterans Health Care System says it is.

“It’s a great coping mechanism for people with COPD because it boosts their mood and helps them see that they’re not alone with their medical ills,” she states.

If you have COPD, we hope you’ll consider one of these remedies to help ease your COPD symptoms.  If you also have obstructive sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com is here for you with a wide variety of CPAP machines, CPAP masks and other accessories to help you sleep more comfortably.