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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.

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?

What are some signs that my breathing is getting worse and I should call the provider? What should I do when I feel I am not breathing well enough?

Am I taking my COPD medicines the right way?

What sort of changes should I make around my home?

What sort of changes do I need to make at work?

What shots or vaccinations do I need?

Do I need oxygen? If yes, do I need it all times?

Are there changes in my diet that will help my COPD?

What do I need to do when I am planning to travel?

What are some exercises I can do to keep my muscles strong, even if I cannot walk around very much?

Should I consider pulmonary rehabilitation?

How can I save some of my energy around the house?

Am I at higher risk for COVID-19 infection? How should I protect myself?

Related Information

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Acute bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - adults - discharge
COPD - control drugs
COPD - quick-relief drugs
How to use an inhaler - no spacer
How to use an inhaler - with spacer
How to use your peak flow meter

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). www.cdc.gov/copd/features/copd-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment.html. Updated October 21, 2022. Accessed January 17, 2023.

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) website. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 2023 report. goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/GOLD-2023-ver-1.1-2Dec2022_WMV.pdf. Accessed January 17, 2023.

Timbadia PJ, Fagan JB. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2023: 897-902.

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Review Date: 11/26/2022  

Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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