COPD Health Education

Managing COPD

COPD77807CONSSAR00340 Funding for this program provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Managing Your COPDManaging Your COPD

• COPD is a serious lung condition• It can make it difficult for you to perform even basic

tasks, like walking to the mailbox or climbing stairs1a • There is no cure, but COPD is preventable and

treatable1b, 2a • If you have COPD, then your healthcare provider may

prescribe medication and advise you to make lifestyle changes so that you can live a healthier and active life2b

Quit SmokingQuit Smoking

• Stop smoking now since it can make COPD worse1a, 2

– Remove temptations by avoiding smoky areas or people who smoke

• Get help– Talk to your healthcare provider about tools and programs to

help you quit1b

– Join NBCI’s smoking cessation program, which will be running in several Baltimore churches soon

– Visit Smokefree.gov

Live HealthierLive Healthier

• Get active1

– COPD shouldn’t stop you from doing the things you want to do

• Maintain a healthy weight1

– Talk to your healthcare provider about your weight and what it should be1

• People who are overweight may need to lose weight to breathe easier1

• People who are underweight may need to gain a few pounds to avoid losing too much weight when COPD gets worse. They also may be more prone to infections and illnesses1

• Practice good hygiene– Wash your hands often1

– Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose1

– Call your healthcare provider at the first signof a cold1

Live Healthier (Continued)Live Healthier (Continued)

• Get plenty of rest1

– You’re more likely to get sick, and suffer worsening symptoms, when you’re too tired1

– Take your time – don’t try to do too much at one time. Ask for help when you need it1

• Rearrange your home1

– Place items you use regularly in places that are easy to reach1

– Buy products that help make daily chores easier, such as a shower stool1

• Learn more– Talk to other people with COPD about the condition1

– Find out ways you can take charge of your COPD1

Live Healthier, Avoid IrritantsLive Healthier, Avoid Irritants

• Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. 1 But there are ways you can improve the air in your home:– Open windows and run exhaust fans1

– Don’t let anyone smoke in your home1

– Remove clutter and anything that collects dust1

– Wash bed linens every week1

– Run a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels1

– Keep pets off furniture1

– Clean floors and carpets1

– Install an air filtration system1

– Remove household chemicals such as paints, varnishes, and cleaning products1

Take Your MedicineTake Your Medicine

• Follow your healthcare provider’s direction closely1

– Take your medicine as directed,1 using the same dose at the same time each day

– Refill your prescriptions – give yourself enough time so you don’t run out1

– Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider, even if you feel fine1

• Well-visits are required under the new healthcare policies2

• Talk to your healthcare provider about taking vaccines against flu and pneumonia1

– Local pharmacies and grocery stores may offer these shots for free during the seasons1

When COPD Gets WorseWhen COPD Gets Worse

• Reduce the chance for “flare-ups” (also known as “exacerbations”)1, 2, 3

• You may have 1 or 2 each year for many reasons3

• Flare-ups worsen as your COPD progresses3 so help prevent or reduce them by:

– Taking your medicines as prescribed3

– Following a pulmonary rehab program3

– Leading a healthy life by eating a nutritious diet, stop smoking, exercising and getting plenty of rest3

Signs that your COPD may be getting worse may include:

– Wheezing3

– Increased cough3

– Increased shortness of breath3

– Increased mucus production3

– Shallow or rapid breathing3

– Increased heart rate3

– Change in mucus color3

– Fever3

Make a Plan with Your Healthcare ProviderMake a Plan with Your Healthcare Provider

• Find out if and when your healthcare provider wants to see you when you experience a flare-up1

– Ask how you can get an appointment as soon as it happens1

• Ask if there are medications to help manage COPD flare-ups1

When You’re Feeling Anxious or When You’re Feeling Anxious or DepressedDepressed

It’s common for people to experience anxiety or depression after being diagnosed with COPD. They may feel frustrated when trying to complete tasks that once seemed simple. They may feel scared whenever they have trouble breathing.1

There are things you can do now to help you overcome feelings of anxiety or depression:

• Learn more about COPD and what is happening to your lungs

• Find ways to feel your best. This might include exercising, starting a new hobby, or making changes to improve your home1

• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings1

• Ask your healthcare provider about your treatment options, including antidepressant medicine1

Find the Support You NeedFind the Support You Need

• Check out a local COPD support group where you can share information with and find encouragement from other people who have COPD1

• Ask your pastor about NBCI COPD support groups, which will be running throughout Baltimore

• Call the COPD Foundation’s C.O.P.D. Information Line at 1-866-316-COPD (2673) to speak with someone about COPD1

• Refer to your COPD Health Note for more helpful information