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Managing Exacerbations

If you have COPD you need to be aware of changes in your symptoms, and be prepared to manage them.

For instance, would you know what to do in certain situations and who to call to get help? This is the time to take what you have learned and apply it to your own life, on a day-to-day basis.

In order to be ready, your doctor and healthcare team need to develop an Action Plan with you. This will be your decision-making tool. Here are ways your Action plan will help you:

  • Identify your resources
  • Identify your usual symptoms
  • Identify your regular treatment & what to do when you feel well
  • Learn to recognize & manage an aggravation of your symptoms

 

COPD Action Plan

A COPD action plan is a written agreement between you and your doctor that spells out how to handle your symptoms as your condition changes. It should be tailored for you by a healthcare professional. Your action plan covers a full range of events, from when you feel good to if you need emergency medical care.

To better manage your COPD, develop a personalized COPD Action Plan with your healthcare team. You can bring this printable to your next healthcare appointment. 

Download the Action Plan Template


References:
1. WHO COPD Key facts https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pu…-(copd)
2. Neil Barnes et al; COPD and exacerbations: Patient insights. BMC Pulmonary Medicine 2013
3. Burudpakee et al; Pulm Ther 2017 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-017-0027-5
4. https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulm… disease/overview/lifestyle-management/bring-up-mucus