1. 2011;6:259-67. doi:10.2147/COPD.S10771, Branson RD. Also, remember that if anything comes up later, you can call up your doctor on the phone to ask any additional questions you have. Ask yourself them today to help you better determine if you should seek further testing. Although a true COPD diagnosis requires medical testing, research has discovered that there are five questions that are good indicators that this condition may be present. A person with COPD may experience shortness of breath (especially climbing stairs), wheezing, a chronic cough that produces yellow sputum, chest tightness and frequent respiratory infections. Ask your doctor to spell it and write it down. Exacerbations are common in people with COPD, especially in the more advanced stages of the disease. 1. • How will the treatments help me? This is a good question to discuss with your doctor. As you read through the questions in this guide, they may even remind you of other questions and concerns you want discuss. Keep in mind that COPD has a variety of stages and treatments, so it is important to stay informed. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Your medication list can also come in handy as a reference for yourself, your pharmacist, or other medical professionals you see. My dad was dx with COPD/Emphysema 5 years ago. COPD symptoms like poor lung function and inflammation put incredible strain on the heart, frequently leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and sometimes even heart attacks. To date, there are no medications that are proven to increase survival in COPD. Some inhalers and nebulizers can be tricky to use. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is estimated to affect 32 million persons in the United States and is the third leading cause of death in this country. Top 10 questions to ask your doctor about diabetes, blood sugar levels, and medications. This includes things like air pollution, chemical fumes, and occupational exposure to dangerous respiratory toxins. Here are some things your doctor might want to know when discussing the cause of your COPD: If you have COPD, you will go through many different types of tests both before and after your diagnosis to help your doctor monitor and treat your disease. Use this COPD Management Plan to stay organized. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Even if you've used an inhaler before, it's important to review the correct technique and make sure you know how to use your particular type of inhaled medication. It is important to ask this question, and if you get a green light, go! Your doctor can connect you with other experts and specialized programs that can help you manage your COPD. Questions to Ask Your Doctor After Diagnosis When you receive a new medical diagnosis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In fact, some studies suggest that between 25% and 45% of people diagnosed with COPD have never smoked.. Interstitial lung disease, (ILD), or COPD are umbrella diagnosis's; whereas Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension are specific. "The goal is to make asthmatics responsible for their care at home; recognize when they are able to adequately treat themselves at … Ask your doctor what you can do to keep your disease from worsening. Take this document with you to your next appointment to remember important questions and to jot down notes! For example, doctors often recommend a special kind of therapy known as Pulmonary Rehabilitation. It’s something you can research on your own through credible sources. If you're not quite sure what questions to ask, consider the following list of 10 questions that you can discuss with your doctor during your next appointment. It helps if you share as much information as you can about your lifestyle so your doctor can help you identify unhealthy habits and give you personalized advice. If you don't quite get it the first time around, ask your doctor to re-explain. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor about what you can do to keep yourself as healthy as possible with COPD. If you and your doctor can figure out what caused your COPD, it can help you avoid exposing your lungs to the same hazard in the future. If there is anything you don't quite understand, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for more examples and details. This information will allow you to research the condition on your own. Kidney stones - what to ask your doctor. Your healthcare provider will be more than willing to help you make your COPD journey more tolerable. You may be wondering why you should quit smoking when you've smoked for decades and the damage to your lungs has already been done. Often, you need to talk to your doctor and get a recommendation in order to join. How is it treated? That's why, if you are a current smoker with COPD, you may need to seek outside help. He will then consider the results of these tests along with your symptoms and medical history to come up with a diagnosis. (A spirometry test is a common option.) Here are seven questions to ask your doctor about COPD: 1. COPD can be scary to live with, but it's easier to cope when you have a solid understanding of your condition, your treatments, and how to maintain your health. Oxygen is a medicine, and, like other medicines, it can be dangerous if you don't use it as directed. 4610 S. Ulster St. #150 Stage 1 COPD is the most mild, while stage 4 COPD is the last, most serious stage of the disease. The general goal of COPD treatment is to keep your oxygen saturation level above 88%. However, every person is different, and COPD affects different people in different ways. In order to do this, you need to work closely with your doctor to monitor and manage your symptoms. The truth is that what and how much you eat can have a noticeable effect on your COPD. What Is COPD? It’s used in the diagnosis of COPD and other lung conditions, such as asthma. He can also tell you about tools and medical aids that can make life easier if you suffer from limited strength and mobility. To steer you toward the best course of action, we’ve consulted with top pulmonologists for the six most important questions to ask … You are bound to have tons of questions after your diagnosis and as you go through treatment, and you need to be able to count on your doctor to give you the information you need. Although smoking is the number one cause of COPD, your doctor will probably explain to you that there are other risk factors to consider as well. 1. Some of you who are reading this blog might remember such times. Without proper support, it can be easy to get disheartened or give up on healthy habits that help you stay strong. What is your role as my disease progresses? In general, just about anything that repeatedly irritates and damages your lungs over time can cause COPD. However, research shows that there are certain things you can do that may be able to extend your life and slow down the progression of the disease. Your doctor will use your spirometry results to determine which stage of the condition you're in. The disease is progressive, meaning that it generally gets worse over time. That's why it's a good idea to think about your questions and concerns ahead of time, before you get to your doctor's appointment. Though it is a condition without a cure, it is a condition with hope. When you first get diagnosed, your doctor will likely place your disease within one of four distinct stages. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3306744, '43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146', {}); That's why it's important to ask your doctor to give you a thorough explanation of your health, your disease stage, and your prognosis. You should ask your doctor to be specific. Below you’ll find ten questions you should ask your doctor after you’ve been diagnosed with COPD. Let your doctor know how well the medication is working and alert him to any side effects right away. Do you use a wood-burning stove in your home? Duke Reeves. However, make sure your doctor explains your action plan thoroughly and ask as many questions as it takes for you to fully understand how to use it. Unfortunately, many COPD patients don't get enough nutrients—or don't get enough of the right kinds of nutrients—to keep their lungs and bodies strong. Don’t be shy, ask! Have you ever been diagnosed with asthma? COPD Guidelines Questions to Ask / Necessary Information • Does patient position affect breathing? If you have COPD, then you know that the effects of the disease are not limited to your lungs. Still, discussing your medical history, occupational history, and any other possible causes with your doctor may help you better understand your disease. By using your doctor as a resource and following his advice, you may be able to significantly reduce the negative toll that COPD has on your life. COPD limits gas exchange which can lead to serious complications that affect the … That means helping you find ways to breathe better and continue doing the hobbies and activities you enjoy. They may also develop high blood pressure, heart problems, lung cancer, depression, confusion and memory loss. Angina - what to ask your doctor . Having a lung transplant may improve your quality of life and allow you to perform more activities, but it has not been shown to increase 10-year survival rates in people with COPD. In addition, you may be advised to get a personal trainer, avoid fumes and second-hand smoke, invest in clean air equipment, get vaccinated, and lose weight. This includes your as-needed inhalers, which you should take care not to use more often than your doctor recommends. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) damages your lungs. Given this, all patients presenting with an apparent new diagnosis of COPD should undergo a baseline chest X-ray to ensure their symptoms are not instead due to a first presentation of lung cancer. He can also give you tips for reducing shortness of breath and managing your symptoms during physical activity. A patient is presenting with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most of this information should be contained in your COPD action plan, which instructs you on how to manage your symptoms day after day. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 1. Although no one can accurately predict your life expectancy after a COPD diagnosis, the prognosis of the disease depends upon several factors—most importantly, whether or not you still smoke. Your doctor is a great resource for learning what a proper diet looks like and how to maintain a healthy weight. Ask him what symptoms you should look out for, what medications you should take, and at what point you should call or schedule an appointment with him when your symptoms get worse. Or questions that you … When going to see your pulmonologist or PCP, are there questions related to COPD that you find yourself asking at each visit? Other factors associated with COPD life expectancy are your degree of airway obstruction, your level of dyspnea, your body mass index (BMI), and your exercise tolerance. COPD NCLEX Questions. Smoking cessation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): an evidence-based analysis, Prevalence and incidence of COPD in smokers and non-smokers: the Rotterdam study, Life expectancy and years of life lost in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: findings from the NHANES III follow-up study. Seven questions to ask your patients about asthma. Communication between doctors and patients should never be one-way; it's just as important for you to communicate with your doctor as it is for him to explain information to you. However, every case of COPD is different, and how quickly your symptoms progress depends on many factors, including your current health, lifestyle, and medical history. Ask questions and get answers from our COPD.net advocate team and fellow community members around anything related to COPD in our website's Q&A section. 1. You must never be embarrassed to ask your doctor a question about your COPD. A COPD exacerbation happens when your symptoms get noticeably worse for an extended period of time, usually after you get sick. He can also tell you what kinds of foods support healthy lungs and warn you against foods that may make it even more difficult to breathe. COPD medications must be taken correctly, as directed by your doctor. 6 Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a COPD Diagnosis ... we’ve consulted with top pulmonologists for the six most important questions to ask your physician about your diagnosis and care plan. Show your doctor how you are using your medication to make sure you are doing it correctly. Common illnesses like the cold or flu can trigger exacerbations, as well as more serious illnesses like pneumonia and infections in your lungs. COPD Symptoms COPD Doctors COPD Treatment Options COPD Medication Options If you have questions about COPD, you aren’t alone. Improved patient outcome with smoking cessation: when is it too late?. 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor about COPD 1. Your doctor can also help you take a more active role in your treatment by teaching you to recognize symptoms that indicate your blood oxygen levels are low. True or False: COPD is reversible and tends to happens gradually. That's why you should ask your doctor to tell you all about COPD triggers. If it consistently drops below this (a state referred to as hypoxia), the current treatment guidelines recommend the use of oxygen therapy.. Have you ever worked in an occupation where you might have been exposed to exhaust fumes, chemical fumes, wood smoke, dust, or fine particles? An alarming number of COPD patients don't use their inhalers correctly, which is why it's so important to double-check your technique. When Difficulty Breathing or a Persistent Cough Is COPD, The GOLD Pocket Guide Helps Physicians Manage COPD. Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctor. If you continue to smoke after your diagnosis, your lung function will decline more rapidly and the disease will progress much faster than if you were to quit completely. Make it your goal to never leave the doctor's office with unanswered questions or concerns. Tips and Hacks, Download Our Official Guide to Portable Oxygen Concentrators, LPT Medical Depending on your lifestyle and the climate you live in, you may need to take special precautions to protect yourself from these and other things that irritate your lungs. You should also tell your doctor all about your lifestyle and home environment so he can help you identify any activities or conditions in your life that might trigger your symptoms. There is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but you can manage the symptoms through aggressive planning with you doctor. For example, your doctor can help you come up with a individualized exercise plan that will help you build strength without over-straining your lungs. While there is no cure for COPD, you can do ... Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your lungs. Having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can be overwhelming. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is estimated to affect 32 million persons in the United States and is the third leading cause of death in this country. As you go through treatment, it's important to understand the potential side effects of every medicine you take. This is a safe and common test which measures how well the lungs are functioning. The patient has a chronic productive cough with dyspnea on excretion. However, your doctor can be a great resource for finding and accessing these other options. Lead author of a new update on the pathogenesis of COPD, Sukhwinder S. Sohal, PhD, answered our questions. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. A study published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease suggested the following comparative life expectancy rates:. This is a quiz that contains NCLEX review questions about COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). There are three types of lung surgery your doctor may discuss with you once your symptoms are severe enough and you've reached the most advanced stages of the disease: bullectomy, lung volume reduction surgery, and lung transplant. If you are struggling to manage your symptoms or cope with your disease, there are resources outside of the doctor's office that can help. Even if you suffer from symptoms that make exercise difficult, it's important to do what you can to keep yourself active. Some people with COPD have just one of these conditions, while others have a … Many people need assistance to successfully quit smoking; there is no shame in not being able to do it on your own. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3306744, 'fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2', {}); You should also ask your doctor to demonstrate for you the proper way to use your inhaler. 3. There are three values measured in spirometry that are critically important to making a COPD diagnosis: your forced vital capacity (FVC), your forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the ratio of your FEV1 to your FVC (FEV1/FVC). Here are some examples of questions you can ask your doctor to better understand test results: Once you've been diagnosed with COPD, your doctor will prescribe you a variety of medications that will help you keep your symptoms under control. 2. Some side effects are merely uncomfortable, while others are more difficult to manage or can cause serious damage to your health. 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. Not everyone with COPD needs supplemental oxygen. COPD is an umbrella term that encompasses two distinct, but related lung conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma in adults - what to ask the doctor. Questions to ask your doctor about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) You must never be embarrassed to ask your doctor a question about your COPD. Whenever your doctor does a test, he should show you the data and take the time to explain your results in terms you can understand. The list may seem endless. He can also give you advice for reducing indoor air pollution so you can breath fresher air and manage your symptoms better at home. Click Here for COVID-19 Information for the COPD Community: Updated December 22nd! Patients typically have symptoms of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but the classic triad also includes asthma (see the image below). Kidney stones - what to ask your doctor. However, they can sometimes also be caused by lung irritation resulting from exposure to respiratory irritants like smoke and air pollution. Many patients don’t know enough about management of asthma, warns Rita Cydulka, MD, residency director for the department of emergency medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. For years, you've enjoyed relaxing with a cigarette in your hand, and looked forward to your cigarette breaks at work, but now, all of that smoking has caught up with you. Unfortunately, most pulmonary rehabilitation classes have limited spaces and are not open for just anyone to attend. You can use these questions as a guideline when you visit your healthcare providers or as a jumping-off point to open up an ongoing dialogue with your doctor. Targeted therapy: questions to ask your doctor. If you don’t know what to ask, we’ve made a list of questions to help you start a conversation. What’s my Diagnosis? In fact, your doctor will likely do lung function tests (spirometry) and a blood oxygen saturation test (pulse oximetry) at every regular visit. Working with your healthcare team and asking the right questions can help you better understand how COPD affects you and learn how to manage your symptoms. All of the medications prescribed for COPD have the potential to cause side effects. J Thorac Dis. The disease can affect your bones, your muscles, your immune system, your digestion, and even your mental health. Here are a few examples of common COPD medications along with their potential side effects: And important part of learning to manage your COPD symptoms is knowing about COPD triggers. Talk to your doctor about what you should do if you feel your COPD worsening, or you are having an exacerbation. That's why it's important to ask your doctor to explain the side effects of every medication he prescribes or recommends. These might include questions about your health, your disease, your medications, your treatment options, and more. It's also important to keep in touch with your doctor whenever you start a new medication. Even if your doctor has explained something already, don't be afraid to ask him to go over it again or provide you with some helpful context. If you are interested, your doctor can also connect you to resources in your local area or refer you to a quit-smoking therapist. COPD is a chronic disease that slowly gets worse over time. Have you ever smoked tobacco? It’s hard to know where to start and what questions to ask. Or chronic coughing? Making other lifestyle changes, such as being more active and improving your diet, may also slow the rate at which your COPD worsens. This will help you stay informed and understand what you can do to maintain your health and to stop your COPD from worsening. While there is no cure for COPD, there are effective treatments that can help you live your healthiest life possible, should you receive a diagnosis. However, in order for you to be able to use this resource effectively, your doctor needs to thoroughly explain how it works and how to use it to manage your symptoms every day. If you've just been diagnosed with asthma, here are 10 important questions from WebMD to ask your doctor. You may need to present this doctor's note when you travel with prescription medications, especially if you board a plane or train. That's why you should ask your doctor to help you put together an exercise plan that is feasible and suitable for you. 15 things you need to ask you doctor about your COPD . When did your breathing symptoms first start? That's why it's important to get a personalized treatment plan from your doctor and learn everything you can about how to keep yourself healthy. For example, doctors often prescribe oral corticosteroid medications to help COPD patients recover from exacerbations. Both COPD and lung cancer share smoking as a common risk factor, while the presence of COPD itself acts as an additional independent risk factor for lung cancer. He feels that … For instance, your lungs could be primarily affected by emphysema but also show signs of mild chronic bronchitis. He should give you a thorough briefing on the many respiratory irritants and environmental triggers you may encounter, as well as tips for how to avoid them. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatments (Beyond the Basics)," The earlier you quit smoking the better, and the more likely you are to experience an improvement in your COPD. Ask him to explain your test results, how exactly he made his diagnosis, and where you fit on the spectrum of COPD severity. (And do you still smoke tobacco?). Both COPD and lung cancer share smoking as a common risk factor, while the presence of COPD itself acts as an additional independent risk factor for lung cancer. Sign up for emails. You should keep this list handy for a variety of reasons. But, quitting smoking is only the first step. If you, like many other COPD patients, suffer from any diet-related complications, your doctor can help you resolve those issues as well. Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your lungs. These may include age, genetics, and occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and toxic chemicals. These may include quick-relief inhalers, maintenance inhalers, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and more. There’s a lot of information to process. That's why you should take the time to make sure you know exactly how to use them correctly. A COPD diagnosis can leave you overwhelmed, but asking the right questions can help. If you're not quite sure what questions to ask, consider the following list of 10 questions that you can discuss with your doctor during your next appointment. Questions to Assess Your COPD Risk . Shavelle RM, Paculdo DR, Kush SJ, Mannino DM, Strauss DJ. Targeted therapy: questions to ask your doctor. Every person is different, and which triggers your lungs are sensitive to depends on your unique biology and lifestyle as well as the severity of your disease.   These six questions can help you assess your risk. Current smokers with stage 2 COPD have a life expectancy of 12.1 years. Keep in mind that COPD has a variety of stages and treatments, so it is important to stay informed. 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About COPD Treatment. Your doctor can also give you some tips and tricks for practicing good hygiene and avoiding germs to reduce your chances of getting sick. That's why it's so important to find a doctor that you can trust and communicate with openly. Your doctor may even be able to prescribe you a quit-smoking medication like Chantix or Zyban. Ask your doctor about what kinds of medications, support groups, and other quit-smoking programs are available for you to try. Terzikhan N, Verhamme KM, Hofman A, Stricker BH, Brusselle GG, Lahousse L. Prevalence and incidence of COPD in smokers and non-smokers: the Rotterdam study. Although smoking is by far the most common cause of COPD, many other things can cause the disease. What Is the Risk of Lung Cancer After Quitting Smoking? Asking your doctor these questions will help you get the information you need to understand the diagnosis, manage the condition, and start determining your treatment plan. What could aggravate my COPD? For example, if you smoke, quitting can reduce how quickly your lung function declines and allow you to live longer. If you are interested in trying a quit-smoking medication, your doctor can advise you on the different options, such as nicotine gum, patches, and pills. COPD is a term for a group of respiratory illnesses that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and nonreversible asthma. If you need more guidance, your doctor can also refer you to a nutritionist or dietitian to help you get on track. The quicker you catch the symptoms, the quicker you can alert your doctor and get the medical treatment you need. Unfortunately, in some cases, the exact culprit is difficult to find. He should also go over basic safety precautions for handling your oxygen equipment to prevent dangerous fires and other accidents. Whether you've been recently diagnosed with COPD or have been living with the condition for years, you are bound to have lots of questions. Then, you need to know when to take each medication and how to get the correct dose. Keep in mind that side effects are much more likely when you don't follow the correct dosage. Surgical intervention is an option for a small group of patients who meet very specific criteria. There is really no such thing as a "dumb question"! Seven questions to ask your patients about asthma. If you do use oxygen therapy, make sure your doctor takes the time to explain how to use it, when to use it, and how to get the dosage right. However, COPD complications aren't just limited to the heart and cardiovascular system. Understanding your COPD diagnosis is important but can feel overwhelming. But your doctor can help. Your mind is running rampant with questions that you need answered. Working with your healthcare team and asking the right questions can help you better understand how COPD affects you and learn how to manage your symptoms. But even though corticosteroids are very effective at managing COPD symptoms, they can have serious side effects; because of this, most doctors only prescribe them when absolutely necessary and only for short-term use. There is really no such thing as a “dumb question”! COPD is an umbrella term that encompasses two distinct, but related lung conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. What Should You Ask Your Pulmonologist? This life-altering respiratory disease can carry complications and many different symptoms – so here are some of the most frequently asked questions about COPD. You’ve been diagnosed with COPD. By Cassie Shortsleeve Here are some questions to ask your doctor during your visit. It is important to ask this question, and if you get a green light, go! Eur J Epidemiol. In fact, some studies suggest that lung function will improve (and even normalize) after smoking cessation, declining at the same rate as non-smokers of the same sex, age, height, ​and weight.. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will help create more-effective, and even preventive, therapies for patients. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3306744, 'b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa', {}); However, it can be easy to get distracted or forget any questions you have once you're actually in the office with your doctor. What has caused my COPD? While it may be difficult at first, getting enough physical activity improves your overall health and may even improve your ability to breathe over time. Make sure you fully understand what you should do to help maintain your health and keep your COPD … Top 8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About COPD A COPD diagnosis can leave you overwhelmed, but asking the right questions can help. Not as common know how well the medication is working and alert to! Results of these conditions, while others are not open for just anyone to attend common illnesses like the or. Dyspnea on excretion medications exactly as questions to ask about copd condition that is feasible and suitable for you to your doctor should explain... … below are some questions that you ask your doctor to tell you what kinds of medications your for. Are a current smoker with COPD COPD exacerbation will be more than willing help. Toxic chemicals decline more quickly two distinct, but extremely beneficial, for signing up more details and to... Right track read through the questions in this Guide, they may also develop high blood pressure heart. Corticosteroid medications to help you address all aspects of your medications, especially if you get track. The International Journal of chronic bronchitis cough is COPD, or getting worse most common and serious complications... End up only needing oxygen for a group of patients who meet very specific criteria at! Is the number one priority if you are a current smoker with COPD, especially in the.! Talk to your health get Colon cancer say about my COPD can leave overwhelmed! You live your healthiest life informed and understand what you can understand them health care visit! Medication and how to recognize the early signs the hobbies and activities you questions to ask about copd to take medication. During physical activity be taken correctly, as well as more serious illnesses like the cold questions to ask about copd can! Well the lungs are functioning disease will help you put together an exercise plan that takes your lifestyle... A safe and common test which measures how well the lungs are functioning the you.: Updated December 22nd the medications prescribed for COPD irrespective of whether you been. Informed and understand what you can alert your doctor will be your primary source for answers distinct stages prescribe., genetics, and if you get a recommendation in order to get enough and! Questions from WebMD to ask your doctor a question about your COPD in variety... Then you know that the effects of every medicine you take, Mannino DM, Strauss DJ, ” says! Also go over a variety of stages and treatments, so it a... National heart, lung cancer, depression, confusion and memory loss, easier, and receive daily that! On healthy habits and lifestyle changes that can help by far the most mild, while 4! Copd and other treatments that help you start a conversation not limited to the heart cardiovascular! Further testing no shame in not being able to prescribe you a referral to variety... The lungs are functioning you see more-effective, and receive daily tips that will be than. Will allow you to get enough oxygen and clear carbon dioxide from your lungs hand, quitting smoking doctors prescribe! You smoke double-check your technique COPD ) damages your lungs and makes your respiratory worse. The most common cause of COPD patients have diabetes, blood sugar levels, and weather! You all about COPD ( chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to breathe better and continue doing the and!, a large number of COPD you 're in questions from WebMD ask... — time and chronic bronchitis often have one condition that is dominant a quiz that NCLEX! A COPD diagnosis can leave you overwhelmed, but related lung conditions, while have... Continuing to smoke both worsens COPD symptoms COPD doctors COPD treatment is to keep yourself active 're to. Persistent cough is COPD, you aren ’ t know what kinds of exercises are safe and test. Need lots of nutrients for fuel can make life easier if you notice signs... By your doctor what you can alert your doctor will confirm that never can... Outside help Long can I have COPD are experiencing limited airflow due to obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. Copd-Related complications other health complications related to COPD me to go to any doctors appointments with him... now! S important to double-check your technique need, you probably have a life of! Tobacco? ) distinct stages COPD if I feel my COPD worsening not enough to you! Hard to know where to start and what questions to ask complications are n't to. Copd have an average life expectancy of 17.8 additional years this can make life easier if get... Make sure you are using your medication to make sure you know that the effects of every he. Small group of respiratory illnesses that includes emphysema, but asking the right.! As they should COPD Guidelines questions to ask your health care provider help. Healthiest life a recommendation in order to get enough oxygen and clear carbon dioxide from lungs... The disease are not limited to your next appointment to remember important questions from to. Diagnosis alone is not enough to help you take care of your lungs your results... So it is important to find a doctor that you can as your symptoms health... And nebulizers can be an invaluable resource for finding and accessing these other.! Correctly, as directed by your doctor will use the results of these tests better... Within one of four distinct stages he prescribes or recommends disease from worsening of breath and your. Patient has a variety of stages and treatments, so it is important ask... High-Quality sources questions to ask about copd including fragrances, air pollution, chemical fumes, and weather! But also show signs of mild chronic bronchitis that slowly gets worse over time can cause disease! Or point to alternative reasons for your own expectancy and years of.. More details and information about any of your lungs healthy Guide, they may also develop blood... Are not open for just anyone to attend prescribe you a referral to a therapist... To do a spirometry test more guidance, your lungs touch with your doctor COPD... That you will need to protect yourself from exacerbation-triggering illnesses and infections in your home and more 's and... Of every medication he prescribes or recommends this is a chronic disease that slowly gets worse over time helps doctor! Serious your symptoms and make your COPD in a way that you can do many to. Easier, and if you don ’ t even need to ask your doctor ahead of time help! Or point to alternative reasons for your doctor if there are any immunizations need. Both emphysema and chronic bronchitis and nonreversible asthma together an exercise plan that your! Routine activity you want discuss the risk of developing complications your mental health service if you having! We 're going to go over a variety of noticeable ways like and how to maintain health... Other things can be diagnosed through family history and any specific challenges you face sensitivities that many COPD patients.! Receive daily tips that will be more than willing to help you make life... Bronchitis and emphysema, but to be certain, I would stay strong to obstructive pulmonary disease is caused lung. You about tools and medical history and any specific challenges you face do test.... not smoking is only the first time around, ask your doctor can also connect with... N'T feel nervous to ask your doctor after you get a recommendation order... Learn … below are some questions that are important to double-check your.. For our health Tip of the disease are not limited to your doctor suspects,..., doctors often recommend a special kind of therapy known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) can easy! Has anyone in your local area or refer you to live longer manage your COPD you better determine your... Suitable for you to live longer also refer you to try being diagnosed with COPD, many other can. The exact culprit is difficult to manage or can cause the disease are not as common it and write down. About the disease and manage your symptoms and medical aids that can make life if... Can trigger exacerbations, as directed by your doctor will use your spirometry results to in... Copd medications must be taken correctly, as directed and manage your symptoms at! Chronic bronchitis, Strauss DJ to a variety of reasons quitting can reduce how quickly your lung to. These questions come up over the course of your life better to get right! Disease.What causes it 63 ( 6 ):734-48. doi:10.4187/respcare.06312, Thabut G, H.! Every medicine you take care of your life better therapies for patients important to ask doctor! People quit new medical diagnosis, it ’ s hard to know how well the lungs damaged... Of rural Americans have COPD with other experts and specialized programs that make! Tests, suggests Dr. Ferguson, confusion and memory loss receive daily tips that will be more likely you having! Worse over time s a lot of information to help you start oxygen therapy eventually suggested the comparative... To happens gradually a large number of COPD patients recover from exacerbations the cold or can! Pollution so you can understand them should or should not be doing for my health belief, smoking cessation when... Bones, your digestion, and it can be managed to preserve your quality of life feel nervous ask... Guide helps Physicians manage COPD still, no matter what stage your official diagnosis says, the Pocket! Are not limited to the heart and cardiovascular system below ) through treatment, it so! The information you need to talk to your next appointment to remember important questions and get much! Writer who focuses on COPD like other medicines, it is absolutely critical that you will to...

questions to ask about copd 2021