Plan to Control Your COPD

For most big decisions in life--buying a home, getting a job, having children--you wouldn't think of moving forward without mapping out a plan first. A detailed plan can help you manage your lung disease, too.

Get It in Writing

Ask your doctor to help you make a written action plan for your COPD. This plan will list symptoms to watch for and steps to take when you're feeling bad.

Studies show written action plans can help you understand when you're healthy and when you're not. They also help you get and take the medicines you need and may even lower your risk of dying.

To get started, track your daily life when you're well. Write down things you're able to do comfortably, how well you sleep, what your appetite is like, and what your mucus looks like when you cough it up. Note what medicines you take.  Make sure your action plan also has phone numbers for your doctor, a neighbor or family member, and emergency services.

Warning Signs to Look For

Changes may mean your COPD is getting out of control. Watch especially for the following:

• Increased shortness of breath.

• Greenish discharge or blood when you cough--blood 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.

• Losing your appetite (not wanting to eat).

If you have these warning signs, your action plan will help you decide what to do. The first step is almost always to call your doctor. Some other actions you may take include:

• Taking bronchodilators (a medicine your doctor may give you), which open your airways quickly.

• Using inhaled steroids or steroid tablets, as your doctor tells you.

• Breathing slowly and deeply.

• Resting more.

• Starting antibiotics, as your doctor tells you.

Call for help right away if you can't catch your breath, have a high fever, feel chest pain, or if your lips or fingernails turn grey or blue.

Keystone Mercy is also here to help you. Please call 1-800-573-4100 to learn more about our program for members with COPD. You can also click here for more information.