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COPD - what to ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor about COPD; Emphysema - what to ask your doctor; Chronic bronchitis - what to ask your doctor; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - what to ask your doctor
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) damages your lungs. This can make it hard for you to get enough oxygen and clear carbon dioxide from your lungs. While there is no cure for COPD, you can do many things to control your symptoms and make your life better.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...
Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your lungs.
Questions
What will make my COPD worse?
- How can I prevent things that can make my COPD worse?
- How can I prevent getting a lung infection?
- How can I get help quitting smoking?
- Will fumes, dust, or having pets make my COPD worse?
What are some signs that my breathing is getting worse and I should call the doctor? What should I do when I feel I am not breathing well enough?
Am I taking my COPD medicines the right way?
- What medicines should I be taking every day (called controller drugs)? What should I do if I miss a day or a dose?
- Which medicines should I take when I am short of breath (called rescue drugs)? Is it ok to use these drugs every day?
- What are the side effects of my medicines? For what side effects should I call the doctor?
- How will I know when my inhalers are getting empty? Am I using my inhaler the right way? Should I be using a spacer?
What shots or vaccinations do I need?
Are there changes in my diet that will help my COPD?
What do I need to do when I am planning to travel?
- Will I need oxygen on the airplane? How about at the airport?
- What medicines should I bring?
- How do I get prescription refills?
- Who should I call if I get worse?
What are some exercises I can do to keep my muscles strong, even if I cannot walk around very much?
How can I save some of my energy around the house?
Should I consider pulmonary rehabilitation?
References
Anderson B, Brown H, Bruhl E, et al. Diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 10th ed. Updated January 2016. www.icsi.org/_asset/yw83gh/COPD.pdf . Accessed December 21, 2016.
Macnee W, Vestbo J, Agusti A. COPD: pathogenesis and natural history. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 43.
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Review Date: 11/14/2016
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
