Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD, is a breathing problem that comes on over a long time. Here is what you can do to feel better and help COPD from getting worse. COPD is also known as Acute and Chronic Lung disease.
- Get treated for colds when you cough up yellow or green spit and it gets hard to breathe.
- Take your medicines every day and learn the right way to use your inhalers.
- Get regular exercise to help you keep up your energy. Physical activity helps COPD.
- Don't smoke and stay away from cigarette smoke, dust, and fumes.
Ask Your Doctor for help to quit smoking.
Ask Your Doctor about a flu shot every fall and about a pneumonia shot.
Call Your Doctor when you have trouble breathing or you have a fever.
Learn as much as you can about COPD to help stay well. Set up times to see your doctor.
Next visit date: ________
Before you begin your COPD treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions:
- How many times a day should I use my inhaler?
- What times of the day should I take my inhaler?
- How many puffs should I take each time?
- Can you show me the right way to use my inhaler?
- What will my inhalers and breathing medicines do for my breathing?
- If I forget to take my inhalers or breathing medicine, what should I do?
- What are the side effects of my inhalers and other medicines?
- If I need to use oxygen to help my breathing, how should I use it during the day and at night?
To view videos on how to use common inhalers, go to http://www.acpfoundation.org/videos.htm
You can read more at The American Lung Association.