Please provide some do's and don'ts on living with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Ignore: Stop smoking and use low volume oxygen if necessary.

Ignore: It's ok to use low volume oxygen with activity and when sleeping at night.

Ignore: Stay active but monitor your oxygen level with pulse oximetry if your COPD is severe.

Ignore: Have your doctor demonstrate the proper technique for using your prescribed inhalers.

Ignore: DO seek treatment; DO stay active; DONT ever smoke again; DONT give up hope.

Slow: Slow walking on a treadmill, even in oxygen dependent patients, will improve exercise tolerance .

Ignore: If sick with a deep cough that produces colored mucous call your doc right away.

Ignore: Quit smoking and avoid staying around others that smoke.

If: If oxygen is prescribed for COPD, be sure to wear it at all times to get the maximum benefit.

Ignore: DO stop smoking at any cost! DON'T allow any unnecessary damage to the lungs from now on.

Ignore: Stop smoking if you do and get mild to moderate exercise to keep your breathing easier.

Ignore: Get a flu shot every year. Also make sure you have gotten the pneumonia vaccine.

Ignore: Don't smoke; eat well; try to walk every day. Call doctor for increased cough, sputum, or SOB.

Ignore: Follow your doctors instructions on use of inhalers and oxygen if indicated.

Ignore: Do stop smoking. Do deep breathing and aerobic exercise. Don't neglect medications.

Smoking: Smoking cessation slows the progression of COPD so see your doctor for help to quit smoking!

Ignore: Pursed lips breathing, upper body exercises to strengthen the chest muscles, a low carbohydrate diet.

Ignore: Do not smoke, If on inhalers use as instructed, exercise, good nutrition, avoid dust/fumes/smoke.