COPD GUIDE

Living with COPD: Breathing Exercises, Physical Activity, Nutrition and Everyday Tips

Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026

SHORT ANSWER

Breathing exercises (pursed-lip breathing and belly breathing) reduce shortness of breath. Regular walking, strength exercises, good nutrition and vaccines also help. These make flare-ups less frequent and make daily life easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised programme that teaches all of these together. It is the most effective non-drug treatment for COPD. Small, frequent meals and a protein-rich diet are recommended. Heavy, gas-forming meals and too much salt should be avoided.

Breathing exercises

Pursed-lip breathing: Breathe in through your nose for 2 seconds. Purse your lips as if you were going to whistle and breathe out over 4 seconds. Use it during exertion and in moments of panic.
Belly (diaphragmatic) breathing: Place one hand on your belly. Let your belly rise as you breathe in and draw in as you breathe out. Do this twice a day for 10 minutes each time.
Clearing phlegm: Controlled coughing (the “huff” technique) helps. Take a deep breath. Then breathe out 2–3 times with a short, forceful “huff”. Do this in the morning and before going to bed. Drink plenty of fluids, unless your doctor has advised you to restrict them.
Breathing muscle training: This is done with a small device that creates resistance as you breathe in. It is taught in a breathing exercise programme.

Physical activity

Walk for 20–30 minutes on 5 days a week. If you score your shortness of breath from 0 to 10, a pace at which you score about 3–4 is enough. On 2 days a week, do strength exercises for your arms and legs, as well as balance exercises. Remember: being active with a controlled degree of breathlessness is not harmful. On the contrary, it increases your strength. If you use oxygen, use it during exercise too.

Nutrition

Recommendation	Reason
Small, frequent meals (5–6 a day)	A full stomach pushes against the diaphragm and causes shortness of breath
Protein (meat, fish, eggs, pulses, milk)	Protects the breathing muscles
Losing excess weight; avoiding becoming too thin	Excess weight and being too thin both increase shortness of breath; being too thin can also shorten life
Limiting foods that cause gas (fizzy drinks, cabbage, large amounts of dried beans)	Bloating causes shortness of breath
Cutting down on salt	Reduces oedema and the strain on the heart
Plenty of fluids	Thins the phlegm (unless your doctor has advised you to restrict fluids)
Resting before meals; keeping your oxygen on while eating	Helps you use your energy sparingly

For claims such as “COPD and lemon” or “pine resin”: The facts about herbal remedies.

Daily life

Have your vaccinations. Stay away from polluted air and cigarette smoke. On very hot or very cold days, limit going outside. Keep the air in your home moist and free of dust. Pay attention to your sleep routine. If you snore and stop breathing at night, see a doctor to be checked for sleep apnoea. Energy-saving techniques also help in your sex life. Before you travel, plan your medicines and oxygen. Get psychological support if you need it.

How can you get pulmonary rehabilitation?

The pulmonology departments of university and teaching hospitals have rehabilitation units. The programme usually lasts 6–12 weeks, with 2–3 sessions a week. Starting within the first 4 weeks after a flare-up reduces the risk of being readmitted to hospital. Home-based programmes also work. Rehabilitation is also continued before and after balloon or valve treatment.

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Is it suitable for you?

Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.

Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Frequently asked questions

The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.

What should a COPD patient avoid eating?

They should avoid heavy, gas-forming meals and too much salt. They should also stay away from cigarettes and too much alcohol.

What helps COPD the most?

Stopping smoking, using medicines regularly, exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation, and vaccines.

Does blowing up balloons count as exercise?

It can work the muscles you use to breathe out. However, controlled breathing exercises and breathing muscle training are more effective.

I get short of breath when I walk. Should I stop walking?

No. Walking with a controlled degree of breathlessness increases your strength. Make a plan with your doctor.

Do I need to put on weight?

Yes, if you have COPD and are underweight. Try to put on weight with protein-rich snacks.

APPOINTMENT

Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment

To find out whether you are suitable, book a preliminary assessment appointment. Bring your breathing test, chest CT scan report and list of medicines with you.

info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul

REFERENCES

International COPD guideline (GOLD 2026 report); Turkish Thoracic Society COPD Diagnosis and Treatment Consensus Report.

This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.

Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026

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