The National Lung Health Education Program offers these suggestions to help reduce symptoms of COPD:

• Stop smoking -- it's the most important thing you can do to help your symptoms.
  
  
• Stay away from smokers and secondhand smoke.
  
  
• During days when outdoor air quality is bad, stay indoors. If you have to go outside, cover your nose and mouth with a mask.
  
  
• Visit your doctor regularly, particularly when you have a cold or productive cough.
  
  
• Protect yourself with flu and pneumonia vaccines, as often as your doctor recommends.