Care Management of Your COPD

First of all, just in case you're wondering what COPD means, - it's Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
A good plan can help you manage your lung condition.
Ask your doctor's help to make a written action plan for your COPD. This includes the symptoms to watch for and steps to take when you're feeling bad.

Warning Signs of Worse Symptoms:
Watch for:

• more shortness of breath
• greenish discharge or blood when you cough, which is a sign of an emergency situation
• general aches or fatigue
• coughing more or wheezing
• a sore throat, runny nose, or other cold and flu symptoms
• appetite loss

If you have these symptoms, always call your doctor. Some other actions you may take include:

• taking bronchodilators, which open your airways quickly
• using inhaled steroids or steroid tablets
• breathing slowly and deeply
• resting more
• starting antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.

Call for help right away if you can't catch your breath, have a high fever or feel chest pain, or if your lips or fingernails turn gray or blue.
Make sure you have a list of your medicines and phone numbers for your doctor, a neighbor or family member and emergency services.