There are things you can do: exercise, weight control and diet really help. The stronger you get, the more efficient your heart and lungs are and the more you can do with less energy. They say use it or lose it, and COPD really means it.

You should consider creating an Intervention/Action Plan to be prepared for daily and Emergency medical treatment for your respiratory condition. This will give you a realistic outlook on being prepared for daily changes and long-term worsening of our lung condition. This is also a good way to document things so other family or neighbors nearby can have factual data points in case they need to assist you in a Flare-up event. Some plan templates can be found on the internet by searching "COPD Action Plan". Be well.

Sad to say, probably, but, you do get used to it and lean to control it.