As you are suffering from COPD from last five years ameith history of heavy smoking earlier. Because of smoking for many years, the lungs has become dry weak and less elastic. In Ayurveda this condition is due to long standing Vata and Kapha disorder of the Pranavaha srotas, because of that you feel breathlessness on exertion and have a chronic cough. The good thing is that you have stopped smoking and you are doing some exercise. This itself has helped in slowing the damage.
At this age our aim is not aggressive treatment but steady control, comfort in breathing, prevention of infections and maintaining strength. Ayurveda works best here as a supportive long term therapy along with regular inhalers if you are already using them. Please do not stop inhalers on your own.
For internal medicines you may take Sitopaladi churna half teaspoon mixed with half teaspoon honey twice daily after food. This helps in reducing cough, chest irritation and improves breathing comfort. Along with this take Talisadi churna half teaspoon twice daily after food with warm water. It helps in chronic cough, mucus and breathlessness. You can also take Vasavaleha one teaspoon twice daily after food. It soothes the lungs and supports long standing respiratory weakness. If digestion is weak or you feel bloating then take Trikatu churna one fourth teaspoon once daily after lunch with warm water. This improves digestion and helps medicines work better. If immunity is low and you catch cold easily then Chyawanprash one teaspoon in the morning with warm milk or warm water is beneficial even at this age.
Ibreathing exercises like slow deep breathing and pursed lip breathing daily morning and evening are very helpful. walking is good but avoid walking in cold early mornings, polluted roads or windy weather.
Steam inhalation with plain water once daily in the evening.Light chest massage with warm sesame oil before bath is helpful especially in winter.
avoid- cold exposure, cold drinks, ice creams, curd at night, refrigerated food, smoking completely including passive smoke, incense smoke, mosquito coils, dust and strong perfumes. Avoid heavy oily fried food, excess sweets and overeating as these increase Kapha and worsen breathing. Avoid late nights and day sleep.
Prefer warm freshly cooked food, soups, soft rice, dal, vegetables well cooked, warm water for drinking. Eat small meals and avoid heavy meals at night. Keep the chest and neck well covered in cold weather.
