COPD and The Holidays: Managing Respiratory Health During Gatherings, Outings, and More

The holidays should be a time for joy, connection, and celebration. But if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this time of year can feel overwhelming. Between cold weather that makes breathing harder, crowded gatherings during flu season, and indoor triggers like cooking smoke and strong fragrances, your respiratory system faces challenges from every direction.

Here's what you need to know: you don't have to choose between your health and celebrating with the people you love. With the right strategies and support, you can manage your COPD symptoms while still participating in meaningful holiday traditions. This guide will walk you through everything from protecting your airways in cold weather to navigating family gatherings safely.

Understanding Why The Holidays Are Challenging for COPD

Cold Weather and Your Lungs

When you breathe in cold air, it can cause your airways to narrow and tighten. Cold temperatures trigger bronchospasm, which is when the muscles around your airways contract, making it harder to breathe. This happens because cold air irritates the lining of your respiratory tract.

Winter air is also typically much drier than air at other times of year. Dry air removes moisture from your airways, which leads to increased mucus production, inflammation, and more frequent coughing. Your body has to work overtime to warm and humidify the air you breathe, putting extra strain on your lungs.

Studies show that COPD exacerbations increase significantly during the winter months, with research indicating that the Christmas season specifically represents a high-risk period for COPD flare-ups. The combination of cold weather, increased indoor time, and seasonal infections creates what experts call a "perfect storm" for respiratory problems.

Holiday Stressors That Affect Breathing

The holidays bring unique physical and emotional demands. Shopping trips, decorating your home, cooking large meals, and hosting guests all require physical exertion that can leave you breathless. When you're already managing a chronic condition like COPD, these activities can quickly become exhausting.

Stress itself makes breathing harder. When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, your breathing pattern changes. You might breathe faster or take shorter, shallower breaths, which is less efficient and can worsen COPD symptoms. Financial pressures, social obligations, and the desire to maintain traditions despite physical limitations all contribute to holiday stress.

Many people also disrupt their regular routines during the holidays. You might forget to take medications on time, skip your usual exercise, or not get enough sleep. These disruptions matter more when you have COPD because consistency in medication management and self-care is essential for keeping symptoms under control.

The Perfect Storm: Winter and Flu Season

Cold weather arrives at the same time as flu season, creating a double threat for people with COPD. Respiratory infections are the most common cause of COPD exacerbations, and your risk of catching these infections increases dramatically when people gather indoors during the holidays.

When you already have compromised lung function, even a common cold can trigger serious complications. Your body has a harder time fighting off infections, and when germs do take hold, the symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer. A respiratory infection that would cause a few days of mild symptoms in someone without COPD can lead to hospitalization for someone with the condition.

The combination of spending more time indoors (with recirculated air), traveling through airports and other crowded spaces, and attending gatherings with people from different households all increase your exposure to viruses and bacteria during the holiday season.

Managing Cold Weather and Outdoor Activities

Before You Go Outside

Preparation makes all the difference when you have COPD and need to venture into cold weather. Start by checking your local weather forecast and air quality index. On days when the temperature drops below freezing or air quality is poor, consider rescheduling outdoor activities if possible.

If you do need to go out, warm up your body first by staying in a heated environment. Moving from warm to cold too quickly can shock your system and make breathing more difficult. Give yourself extra time so you're not rushing, which can cause you to breathe harder and faster in the cold air.

Plan your outdoor activities for the warmest part of the day, usually between late morning and early afternoon. Even a difference of a few degrees can make breathing more comfortable. If you're traveling to holiday events, map out routes with indoor rest stops where you can warm up if needed.

Protecting Your Airways in the Cold

The single most important thing you can do is cover your nose and mouth when going outside in cold weather. A scarf wrapped loosely around your face works well because it creates a pocket of warm, moist air that you breathe through. This warms the air before it reaches your airways, reducing irritation.

Some people with COPD find that specialized cold-weather masks designed for respiratory conditions work even better than scarves. These masks are designed to warm and humidify the air you breathe while still allowing you to breathe comfortably. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether this type of mask might help you.

Breathe through your nose rather than your mouth whenever possible. Your nasal passages naturally warm and filter the air, providing some protection even in cold conditions. If you find yourself getting short of breath, stop and rest. Don't push through breathlessness in cold weather.

Layer your clothing so you can adjust your warmth level without overheating. Overheating can be just as problematic as being too cold because it can trigger sweating, which then makes you cold when the moisture evaporates. Focus on keeping your core warm with insulated layers, and don't forget a warm hat since you lose significant body heat through your head.

Winter Travel Considerations

If your holiday plans involve traveling, extra planning is essential. Always carry your medications in your carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. Pack more than you think you'll need in case your trip gets extended due to weather or other delays.

Keep your rescue inhaler easily accessible during travel. If you're driving, store it in the cabin rather than the trunk where it might freeze. If you're flying, make sure you understand the airline's policies about carrying medical equipment and oxygen therapy devices.

Plan routes with indoor rest stops where you can warm up. If you're traveling by car, don't wait until you're struggling to breathe before pulling over. Regular breaks in heated spaces help prevent problems before they start. Consider breaking longer trips into smaller segments with overnight stops to reduce the physical strain of extended travel.

Navigating Indoor Holiday Hazards

Kitchen and Cooking Safety

Holiday cooking often means hours spent in the kitchen, and this can create serious air quality problems for people with COPD. Cooking releases particulate matter into the air, and gas stoves in particular produce nitrogen dioxide, which can irritate your airways and worsen symptoms.

Always use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking, and keep it running for at least 15 minutes after you finish. If your exhaust fan vents to the outdoors, it will remove pollutants from your home. If it just recirculates air, consider opening a window instead or in addition to using the fan. Even cracking a window slightly can make a significant difference in air quality.

If you use a gas stove, be especially careful. Research shows that gas stoves create significantly higher particulate matter emissions than electric stoves. If switching to electric isn't an option, maximize ventilation and consider doing some meal prep ahead of time to reduce the amount of cooking you do all at once.

If you use supplemental oxygen, you need to be especially cautious around cooking. Keep your oxygen equipment well away from any open flames or heat sources. It's safest to stay out of the kitchen entirely while cooking is happening if you're on oxygen therapy.

Common Indoor Triggers to Watch For

Scented candles might create ambiance, but they can trigger significant respiratory problems. The fragrances and chemicals released when candles burn can irritate your airways. The same goes for incense, oil diffusers, and plug-in air fresheners. If you're hosting, ask guests to use fragrance-free personal care products.

Fireplaces and wood stoves produce smoke and particulate matter that are especially harmful for people with COPD. Even small amounts of smoke exposure can trigger symptoms. If you're visiting someone with a fireplace, ask them not to use it while you're there. If that's not possible, stay in a different room with the door closed, or consider shortening your visit.

Many people clean their homes thoroughly before holiday gatherings, but harsh cleaning products can worsen COPD symptoms. Products containing bleach, ammonia, and other strong chemicals release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that irritate your respiratory system. Switch to gentler cleaning products, or ask someone else to do the cleaning well before you arrive so chemicals have time to dissipate.

Maintaining Good Indoor Air Quality

Consider using a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter in rooms where you spend the most time. These filters can remove many airborne particles that trigger COPD symptoms, including dust, pet dander, and some smoke particles. Place the filter in your bedroom so you can breathe cleaner air while you sleep.

Maintain appropriate humidity levels in your home. The ideal range is around 30-50%. Too much humidity can promote mold growth, while too little dries out your airways. A humidifier can help if the air is too dry, but clean it regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

Open windows periodically to let fresh air circulate, but only when outdoor air quality is good and the temperature isn't extremely cold. Even just 15 minutes of fresh air circulation can help reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. Check your local air quality before opening windows.

Attending Holiday Gatherings Safely

Infection Prevention Strategies

Protecting yourself from respiratory infections during the holidays requires vigilance. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after touching high-contact surfaces like doorknobs. When soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Make sure you're up to date on all recommended vaccinations, including your annual flu shot, COVID-19 vaccines, and the pneumonia vaccine if your doctor recommends it. These vaccinations are crucial for preventing serious complications from respiratory infections. Encourage family members you'll be seeing to get vaccinated too.

Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially during peak flu season. While this might feel awkward at holiday gatherings, protecting your health is more important than social comfort. If you feel uncomfortable wearing a mask, try to maintain distance from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Avoid close contact with anyone who shows signs of illness. It's okay to politely decline hugs or handshakes if someone is sick. Most people will understand when you explain that you have a respiratory condition that makes you vulnerable to infections.

Setting Boundaries at Social Events

Before attending a gathering, communicate with your host about your needs. Let them know about your sensitivity to fragrances, smoke, and strong odors. Most hosts will be happy to accommodate you by skipping the scented candles or asking guests to use fragrance-free products.

You don't need to explain every detail of your condition to everyone you meet, but having a brief explanation ready can help. Something like "I have a lung condition that makes me sensitive to smoke and strong smells" is usually enough. Most people respect health boundaries when they understand them.

Don't feel obligated to stay for an entire event if you're getting tired or experiencing symptoms. It's better to leave early and feel good than to push through and risk a flare-up. Let your host know in advance that you might need to leave early so they're not offended if you do.

Take breaks during gatherings. Find a quiet space where you can sit down, practice your breathing exercises, and rest. Even 10-15 minutes of quiet time can help you recharge and manage your symptoms.

Managing Energy Levels

Choose quality over quantity when it comes to holiday activities. You don't need to attend every party or event. Focus on the gatherings that mean the most to you and politely decline the others. People who care about you will understand.

• Schedule rest periods between activities
• Don't plan back-to-back events on consecutive days
• Build in recovery time after big gatherings
• Accept offers for help with tasks like carrying heavy dishes or setting up decorations

Pace yourself throughout events. Don't feel pressured to help with all the cooking, serving, or cleaning. Sit down while helping with food preparation, take frequent breaks, and let others handle physically demanding tasks.

Be realistic about what you can accomplish. If you usually host a large dinner, consider making it a potluck where guests bring dishes. If you always bake dozens of cookies, scale back to one or two favorite recipes. The people who love you care more about your presence than about perfect holiday traditions.

Holiday Eating and COPD

Nutrition Tips for Better Breathing

Large, heavy meals can make breathing more difficult because a full stomach pushes up on your diaphragm, limiting lung expansion. Instead of eating one large holiday meal, try eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This keeps your energy up without making you feel uncomfortably full.

Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits, which provide nutrients that support lung health without making you feel bloated. The other half can include your favorite holiday treats in moderate portions. This balanced approach lets you enjoy special foods while supporting your overall health.

Stay hydrated throughout holiday celebrations. Your lungs are about 83% water, so dehydration affects your respiratory system first. Drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. If plain water is boring, try herbal tea or water with a slice of lemon.

Avoid foods that cause bloating and gas, such as beans, cabbage, carbonated beverages, and fried foods. A bloated, uncomfortable stomach makes breathing harder by pushing on your diaphragm. If certain foods always cause you digestive distress, skip them during the holidays even if they're traditional favorites.

Alcohol and COPD

If you choose to drink alcohol during the holidays, do so in moderation. Alcohol decreases levels of glutathione, an important antioxidant found in your lungs. Chronic alcohol consumption is linked to decreased lung function in people with lung conditions. One drink occasionally is usually fine, but excessive drinking can worsen COPD symptoms.

Alcohol can also interact with many COPD medications, including steroids and antibiotics. Check with your pharmacist or doctor about potential interactions before drinking. Some medications should never be combined with alcohol.

Remember that alcohol can dehydrate you, which affects your respiratory function. If you do drink, alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated. This also helps you pace your alcohol consumption naturally.

Medication and Treatment Management

Staying on Schedule

Holiday disruptions to your routine can lead to missed doses of important medications. Set alarms on your phone to remind you to take your medications at the correct times, even when your schedule is unusual. Many smartphones have medication reminder apps that can help you stay on track.

Keep your medications visible so you don't forget them. If you're staying at someone else's home, set up your medications in a consistent spot where you'll see them. Don't pack them away in a suitcase where they're out of sight and out of mind.

Don't skip doses even if you're feeling well. COPD medications work best when taken consistently, and skipping doses can make you more vulnerable to flare-ups. If you're concerned about taking medications in front of others, excuse yourself and take them privately, but don't skip them entirely.

Preparing for Emergencies

Make sure you have an up-to-date COPD action plan that tells you exactly what to do if your symptoms worsen. Review this plan before the holidays so you know the warning signs to watch for and when to use your rescue medications.

Keep your rescue inhaler with you at all times. Don't leave it in another room or in your car. You should be able to access it within seconds if you need it. If you use a nebulizer, know where the nearest pharmacy is in case you need supplies.

Know the warning signs of a COPD exacerbation:

• Increased shortness of breath that doesn't improve with your usual treatments
• Changes in the color, thickness, or amount of mucus you're coughing up
• Increased coughing or wheezing
• Swelling in your ankles or legs
• Unusual fatigue or confusion

If you experience these symptoms, follow your action plan and contact your healthcare provider right away. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own, especially during the holidays when access to care might be more limited.

Travel Medication Prep

When traveling for the holidays, pack at least a week's worth of extra medication beyond what you expect to need. Flight delays, weather problems, or unexpected schedule changes can extend your trip, and you don't want to run out of essential medications.

Carry a list of all your medications, including dosages and the prescribing doctor's contact information. If you need to get a refill while traveling or have a medical emergency, having this information readily available makes everything easier. Keep both a paper copy and a digital copy on your phone.

If you travel with oxygen therapy equipment, contact your airline or other travel provider well in advance. Airlines have specific policies about oxygen equipment, and you may need documentation from your doctor. Some airlines require advance notice of several days to accommodate medical equipment.

Research where you can get emergency care at your destination. Know the location of the nearest hospital or urgent care center, and save their contact information in your phone. If you're traveling to a remote area, make sure you have a plan for accessing care if needed.

Stress Management During the Holidays

Why Stress Affects Your Breathing

When you feel stressed or anxious, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones cause changes in your breathing pattern, making you take faster, shallower breaths. For someone with COPD, this inefficient breathing pattern can quickly lead to breathlessness and panic.

Stress also increases inflammation throughout your body, including in your airways. This additional inflammation on top of the inflammation already present from COPD can worsen your symptoms and increase your risk of a flare-up.

The connection between stress and COPD symptoms creates a difficult cycle. Stress makes breathing harder, which causes more anxiety about your breathing, which leads to more stress. Breaking this cycle requires conscious effort and effective stress management techniques.

Practical Stress-Reduction Techniques

Pursed-lip breathing is one of the most effective techniques for managing breathlessness and anxiety. Breathe in slowly through your nose for two counts, then purse your lips as if you're going to whistle and breathe out slowly for four counts. This technique helps keep your airways open and slows your breathing rate.

Practice diaphragmatic breathing to make your breathing more efficient. Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. As you breathe in, your belly should rise while your chest stays relatively still. This type of breathing uses your diaphragm more effectively and can reduce the work of breathing.

Set realistic expectations for yourself during the holidays. You don't have to do everything you used to do before your COPD diagnosis. Give yourself permission to simplify traditions, skip events that don't matter much to you, and focus on what brings you genuine joy.

Learn to say no without guilt. When someone asks you to take on additional tasks or attend another event, it's okay to decline. A simple "I need to prioritize my health right now" is a complete explanation. People who care about you will understand and respect your boundaries.

Mental Health and COPD

Living with COPD increases your risk of depression and anxiety. The holidays can intensify these feelings, especially if you're mourning the loss of activities you used to enjoy or feeling isolated from others due to your health concerns.

Social connection remains important even when you have COPD. Attending gatherings, even for short periods, can boost your mood and remind you that you're part of a community. Don't isolate yourself completely, but do listen to your body and leave when you need to rest.

If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness, reach out for help. Talk to your doctor about mental health support options. Many people with COPD benefit from counseling or support groups where they can connect with others facing similar challenges.

Recognizing and Responding to Warning Signs

Common Signs of a COPD Flare-Up

A COPD exacerbation often starts gradually, so it's important to recognize subtle changes in your symptoms early. You might notice that you're more short of breath than usual during activities that normally don't bother you much. This increased breathlessness is often the first sign that something is changing.

Changes in your mucus can signal an oncoming exacerbation. If your mucus becomes thicker, increases in volume, or changes color (especially to yellow, green, or brown), your airways may be inflamed or infected. These changes warrant attention even if your breathing feels relatively normal.

Increased coughing, especially if it's more productive or keeps you awake at night, can indicate worsening COPD. Some people experience increased wheezing or a tight feeling in their chest. Unusual fatigue beyond your normal level of tiredness is another warning sign.

Watch for swelling in your ankles, legs, or feet. This can indicate that your heart is working harder due to the strain COPD places on your cardiovascular system. Some people also experience confusion or changes in mental clarity during a severe exacerbation due to decreased oxygen levels.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if your symptoms worsen despite using your rescue medications as directed. Don't wait for an appointment if you're struggling to breathe or your symptoms are significantly worse than usual.

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath that doesn't improve with your rescue inhaler
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or difficulty staying awake
• Blue or gray tint to your lips or fingernails
• Rapid heartbeat or irregular heart rhythm

During the holidays, access to your regular doctor might be limited. Have a plan for getting care when your usual provider isn't available. This might include urgent care centers, hospital emergency departments, or after-hours nurse advice lines through your insurance.

Don't hesitate to seek care because you don't want to disrupt holiday plans. A COPD exacerbation that goes untreated can quickly become serious and may require hospitalization. Early intervention usually means simpler treatment and faster recovery.

Making the Holidays Enjoyable With COPD

Adapting Traditions

Some traditional holiday activities might not work well anymore, and that's okay. Focus on adapting rather than abandoning traditions that matter to you. If you used to host a large holiday dinner, consider hosting a smaller gathering or making it a potluck where everyone contributes.

If outdoor activities like viewing holiday lights were important to your family, look for drive-through displays where you can stay warm in your car. Many communities offer holiday events specifically designed to be accessible for people with mobility or health limitations.

Create new traditions that work with your current health status. Maybe you start a tradition of having a quiet holiday breakfast with close family before the hectic day begins. Perhaps you begin a practice of video calling distant relatives instead of traveling to see them. New traditions can be just as meaningful as old ones.

Self-Compassion and Acceptance

Let go of guilt about your limitations. COPD is a chronic condition that affects what you can do, and that's not your fault. Your worth isn't determined by how many cookies you bake, how many parties you attend, or how perfectly you maintain traditions.

Focus on what you can do rather than what you can't. Maybe you can't cook an entire holiday meal anymore, but you can share family recipes with younger relatives. Perhaps you can't shop in crowded malls, but you can help wrap presents while sitting comfortably at home.

Celebrate small victories. If you made it through a gathering without significant symptoms, that's an accomplishment. If you remembered to take all your medications on schedule despite a disrupted routine, be proud of that. Managing a chronic condition well is hard work that deserves recognition.

Remember that the people who love you care about your presence more than your performance. They would rather have you at the table for part of dinner than have you push too hard and end up hospitalized. Your health is a gift to them because it means they get to keep spending holidays with you for years to come.

How a Solace Advocate Can Help

The holidays are complex enough without adding the challenge of managing COPD. A Solace advocate provides dedicated support that takes the burden off you and helps ensure the season goes smoothly from a health perspective.

Your advocate can work with your pulmonologist and other healthcare providers to make sure you have an updated COPD action plan before the holidays begin. They'll ensure you understand exactly what symptoms to watch for and what steps to take if you notice changes, so you don't have to worry about whether you're doing the right thing.

If you're traveling for the holidays, your advocate can coordinate with your medical equipment suppliers to arrange oxygen or other necessary supplies at your destination. They'll verify that you have adequate prescription refills and help you locate healthcare facilities near where you'll be staying, giving you peace of mind about accessing care if needed.

A Solace advocate can communicate with family members on your behalf about your needs and limitations. They can help explain COPD to relatives who might not understand why you can't participate in certain activities or why you need them to avoid wearing perfume. This takes the awkward conversations off your plate.

During the hectic holiday season, it's easy to lose track of medication schedules, miss follow-up appointments, or forget to reorder supplies. Your advocate keeps track of these details so nothing falls through the cracks. They'll remind you about appointments, help coordinate scheduling with multiple specialists, and ensure you have everything you need.

If symptoms do worsen during the holidays, your advocate can help you navigate the healthcare system quickly. They know how to get urgent appointments, can communicate with on-call providers, and will make sure everyone on your care team knows what's happening. This care coordination is especially valuable when your regular providers might have limited availability during holiday weeks.

Your advocate also provides emotional support during a time that can feel isolating. They understand the challenges of managing a chronic respiratory condition during the holidays and can help you process feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety. Having someone who listens without judgment and validates your experience makes a real difference.

Most importantly, a Solace advocate empowers you to enjoy the holidays by taking the healthcare logistics off your plate. Instead of spending mental energy worrying about medications, supplies, and emergency plans, you can focus on what matters most: spending time with people you love and creating meaningful memories.

Frequently Asked Questions about COPD and the Holiday Season

Can I travel during the holidays with COPD?

Yes, many people with COPD travel successfully during the holidays with proper planning. The key is to prepare thoroughly before your trip. Pack extra medication, research healthcare facilities at your destination, and plan your route with rest stops. If you use supplemental oxygen, contact your airline or travel provider well in advance to arrange for your equipment. Consider traveling during off-peak times to avoid crowds and reduce infection risk. Talk to your doctor before traveling, especially if you've had recent exacerbations. They can provide travel-specific advice and may adjust your medications or provide a rescue pack of antibiotics and steroids to carry with you. Break long trips into shorter segments with overnight stays to avoid overexertion.

Is it safe to be around a fireplace if I have COPD?

Fireplaces and wood stoves produce smoke and particulate matter that can trigger COPD symptoms and flare-ups, so it's best to avoid them whenever possible. Even small amounts of smoke exposure can irritate your airways and worsen breathing. If you're visiting someone with a fireplace, ask them politely not to use it while you're there. Most hosts will be happy to accommodate this request when they understand it's for your health. If avoiding the fireplace isn't possible, stay in a different room with the door closed and consider shortening your visit. Never sit close to an active fireplace, and make sure the area is well-ventilated. If you live in a home with a fireplace, consider switching to electric alternatives that provide ambiance without smoke.

How do I handle people who wear strong perfume at holiday gatherings?

This is a common challenge, but you have every right to protect your respiratory health. Before attending an event, contact the host and explain that you have a respiratory condition that makes you sensitive to strong scents. Ask if they would be willing to send a gentle reminder to guests about avoiding perfumes and colognes. Most hosts are happy to help. If someone shows up wearing strong fragrance, you can politely explain your situation: "I have a lung condition that makes me very sensitive to scents. Would you mind if we kept some distance?" Most people are understanding when you explain it's a health issue. If symptoms start despite your precautions, move to a different area or step outside for fresh air. Keep your rescue inhaler accessible in case you need it.

What should I do if I feel my COPD symptoms getting worse during a holiday event?

First, don't ignore warning signs or try to push through worsening symptoms. Excuse yourself and find a quiet place to sit down and rest. Use your rescue inhaler if you have one with you. Practice pursed-lip breathing to help slow your breathing rate and open your airways. If symptoms don't improve within a few minutes or continue to worsen, don't hesitate to leave the event. Your health is more important than social obligations. Call your doctor's after-hours line or nurse hotline if you're unsure whether you need immediate care. If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately. Let your host know you're not feeling well and need to leave—anyone who cares about you will understand and support your decision to prioritize your health.

Do I need to avoid all holiday foods if I have COPD?

No, you don't need to avoid all holiday foods, but some strategic choices can help you breathe more comfortably. Large, heavy meals make breathing harder because a full stomach presses on your diaphragm. Eat smaller portions throughout the day instead of one huge meal. Avoid foods that cause bloating and gas, like beans, carbonated drinks, cabbage, and fried foods, since bloating makes breathing more difficult. Focus on filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables, which provide nutrients without making you uncomfortable. Stay well-hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. You can absolutely enjoy special holiday treats—just do so in moderation and pay attention to how different foods make you feel. If certain foods always cause problems for you, it's okay to skip them even if they're traditional favorites. The goal is to enjoy holiday meals without compromising your ability to breathe comfortably.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional advice. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional for guidance on medical issues, financial concerns, or healthcare benefits.

Related Reading

• COPD Action Plans: What They Are and How Medicare Coverage Can Affect Them
• What Are the 4 Stages of COPD?
• Does Medicare Cover Oxygen for COPD?
• Seasonal Health Challenges for Chronic Illness Patients
• How Patient Advocates Help Manage COPD Care Coordination

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