Beverages That Could Be Harmful
If you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), what you drink can affect how you feel. Some drinks can make your symptoms worse. If you're looking for something to help, consider Stiolto Respimat, a prescription inhaler used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Worst Drinks for COPD
1. Soda
Soda is full of sugar and bubbles. The bubbles can cause gas and bloating, which makes it harder to breathe. The high sugar content can also lead to weight gain, making it more difficult for your lungs to work properly.
Childhood asthma is a long-term condition that causes inflammation and constriction or swelling of the airways. Learn more about childhood asthma here.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol can slow down your breathing. It also makes it harder for your body to clear mucus, which can build up in your lungs. Drinking too much alcohol may lead to more coughing and trouble breathing, especially at night.
3. Caffeinated Drinks
Drinks like coffee, tea, and energy drinks are high in caffeine. Caffeine can make you feel jittery and can also interfere with your sleep. Poor sleep makes it harder to manage COPD symptoms. Caffeine may also react with some COPD medications, so it’s best to limit these drinks.
4. Whole Milk
While milk is a good source of calcium, whole milk can cause your body to produce more mucus. Extra mucus can block your airways, making it harder to breathe. If you enjoy milk, switching to low-fat or non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk is a better choice.
5. Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like sweetened juices and sports drinks can lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. If you have COPD, carrying extra weight can make it harder to breathe. These drinks don’t provide lasting energy and may worsen your overall health.
Treatment Options for COPD
If you have COPD, there are ways to help you feel better:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Water helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from your lungs.
- Healthy diet: Eating healthy foods and drinking low-sugar drinks like water or herbal tea can help you manage your COPD symptoms.
- Medications: Follow your doctor’s advice on using inhalers or other medications to control your symptoms.
- Breathing exercises: Certain exercises can help strengthen your lungs and make breathing easier. Ask your doctor about breathing techniques for COPD.
Stiolto Respimat
Stiolto Respimat is a prescription inhaler used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It helps people with COPD breathe more easily by relaxing the muscles around the airways. The inhaler delivers a mist that contains two active ingredients:
- Tiotropium: A long-acting anticholinergic that helps open up the airways by relaxing the muscles.
- Olodaterol: A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that also relaxes the airway muscles and helps prevent tightness in the chest.
Sipping Smart
By avoiding these drinks and making healthier choices, you can help manage your COPD and improve your quality of life!
