Understanding COPD.pdf - Facey Medical Group

Understanding
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD
COPD) is a disease of the lungs. It includes emphysema and chronic
bronchitis. COPD can make it hard to breathe.
What causes COPD
Many things increase the risk of COPD. By far, the
#1 cause of COPD is smoking. Other less frequent
causes include: asthma, airway infections early in
life, family health history, and malnutrition.
What are the symptoms
COPD develops slowly, taking many years before
any symptoms are noticeable. Typically, COPD is
diagnosed in those middle-aged and older. It can
be hard to tell apart from asthma. Common
symptoms include:
• Shortness of breath while exercising
• Shortness of breath even when resting
• Morning coughing that produces mucus.
• Coughing every day
• A chest infection lasting over two weeks
• Wheezing while breathing
How is COPD diagnosed
Usually by a special lung function test called
“Spirometry.”
Can COPD be cured
No. There is no cure for COPD. The good news is
that COPD can be managed. Talk to your provider
about treatments that can make you breathe
better.
How do you manage COPD
If you smoke, quit. Stay away from smoke, dust,
pollutants, strong odors, and chemicals. Seek
treatment right away for coughing, wheezing, and
airway infections. Take your medicines as your
provider tells you.
• Quit smoking
o If you smoke, quitting is the most
important thing you can do.
o Ask your provider for ways to help you quit
smoking.
o Ask for a referral to our Quit Smoking Program.
• Talk with your provider
o Share your symptoms with your provider
about at every visit.
o Report changes in your activity level.
o Bring your medicines to every visit, including
over the counter medicines.
o Tell your provider if you are feeling sad or
anxious about your COPD.
o Work together to create goals to improve
your care.
o Ask about how to join the COPD Care
Management Program.
• Do your part…
o Learn about COPD.
o Learn about the medicines you take and why
you take them.
o Take those medicines as directed.
o Keep appointments with your provider.
o Ask your family & friends for support.
o Follow an exercise program as directed by
your provider.
o Eat the right foods.
o Pace yourself as you walk.
o Break-up large tasks into smaller ones.
o Save your energy for the most important
things.
o Ask about the Healthier Living Program and
support groups.
Take an active role in managing your COPD to
help you feel better.
Rev. 10/2009
Copyright © 2009, Facey Medical Foundation

COPD Office Visit Checklist
Answer the following questions prior to your next medical visit and be sure to talk with your provider about
your answers, and the changes since your last visit:
1. Are you a smoker Yes No
2. Has your breathing been more difficult than usual Yes No
3. Have you been coughing more than usual Yes No
4. Has this coughing produced more mucus than usual Yes No
5. Has your mucus been thicker than usual Yes No
6. Has the color of your mucus been different than usual Yes No
7. Have you been wheezing Yes No
8. Have you been awakened by your breathing Yes No
9. About how many hours have you been sleeping each night Yes No
10. How would you describe changes in your appetite Decreased Normal Increased
11. Have you lost any weight Yes No
If yes, how much have you lost
12. What activities have you been regularly doing Yes No
13. Are any activities harder for you because of your breathing Yes No
14. Overall, is your health better, the same, or worse Yes No
15. Did you use your breathing medicine today Yes No
Bring all your medicines to your doctor's appointment. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and
how you can better manage your COPD.
For information about classes that Facey offers, call toll free (866) 837-5605.
Rev. 10/2009
Copyright © 2009, Facey Medical Foundation