Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a medical condition that causes breathing problems. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD damages the bronchiole tubes and alveoli in your lungs. The damage makes it hard for oxygen to get into your bloodstream and for you to breathe.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Bronchodilators: These help open your airways so you can breathe better. They are most often taken using one of the following devices:
  
  
  • Inhaler: This is a hand-held device that delivers medicine that you breathe in.
    
    
  • Nebulizer: This is a machine that turns liquid medicine into mist that you breathe in through a mouthpiece.
  
  
• Corticosteroids: These help decrease swelling in your lungs. They may be inhaled or taken as a pill.
  
  
• Antibiotics: These are used to treat lung infections.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

About a COPD exacerbation:

An exacerbation is when your COPD symptoms suddenly get worse. You may have a harder time breathing, your cough may get worse, and you may cough up more sputum. You may have a fever, increased heart rate, or feel sleepy. An exacerbation may be caused by a lung infection, air pollution, or other lung irritants. Sometimes the cause of an exacerbation is unknown. Your caregiver may change your treatment to help relieve exacerbations.

How to manage COPD and help prevent exacerbations:

• Avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants: Do not smoke or breathe in smoke from other people's cigarettes. Wear protective gear if your workplace has dust and chemicals that bother you. Stay inside when air quality is bad.
  
  
• Get early treatment if your symptoms are getting worse: This may help you recover faster. Know what to do in case of an exacerbation.
  
  
• Get plenty of exercise: Talk to your caregiver about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise can help decrease breathing problems and improve your health.
  
  
• Use pursed-lip breathing: Pursed-lip breathing can be used any time you feel short of breath. It can be especially helpful before you start an activity.
  
  
  • Take a deep breath in through your nose.
    
    
  • Slowly breathe out through your mouth with your lips slightly puckered. You should make a quiet hissing sound as you breathe out.
    
    
  • Repeat this exercise several times. Once you are used to doing pursed-lip breathing, you can use it any time you need more air.
  
  
• Vaccines: To prevent influenza (flu), all adults should get the influenza vaccine. They should get it every year as soon as it becomes available. The pneumococcal vaccine is given to adults aged 65 years or older to prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. People aged 19 to 64 years at high risk for pneumococcal disease also should get the pneumococcal vaccine. It may need to be repeated 5 years later.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have trouble talking or doing your usual activities because it is hard to breathe.
  
  
• You have a cough that lasts 3 months or longer.
  
  
• You cough up more sputum than is normal for you.
  
  
• You wheeze more than is normal for you.
  
  
• You have a bluish tint to your skin, lips, or nails.
  
  
• You have swelling in your legs or ankles.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You are confused, dizzy, or feel like you may pass out.
  
  
• Call 911 or an ambulance if you have any signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Discomfort in the center of your chest that feels like squeezing, pressure, fullness, or pain, that lasts for more than a few minutes or keeps returning
    
    
  • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or one or both of your arms
    
    
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
    
    
  • Having trouble breathing
    
    
  • A sudden cold sweat, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing
    
    
  • Feeling very lightheaded or dizzy, particularly in combination with chest discomfort or trouble breathing

Learn more about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Aftercare Instructions)