In this post, we're going to go over a variety of questions that you can ask your doctor about your COPD. Improved patient outcome with smoking cessation: when is it too late?. This can be a confusing — and even overwhelming — time. Let’s Get Specific: Have No Fear of Asking Your COPD Questions: As we said above, some of you might not be accustomed to this philosophy of 2–way medical communication. That way, your doctor can offer practical advice that takes into consideration your unique medical history and any specific challenges you face. 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. Or chronic coughing? 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. You can ask either your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate it for you, and you can ask them to evaluate your technique as well. 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. 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. Obtain medical consultation if the condition is poorly controlled (as manifested by COPD Symptoms COPD Doctors COPD Treatment Options COPD Medication Options If you have questions about COPD, you aren’t alone. It is important to ask this question, and if you get a green light, go! Some side effects are merely uncomfortable, while others are more difficult to manage or can cause serious damage to your health. Lead author of a new update on the pathogenesis of COPD, Sukhwinder S. Sohal, PhD, answered our questions. COPD, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is an incurable yet treatable… What should I do if I feel my COPD worsening? For example, doctors often recommend a special kind of therapy known as Pulmonary Rehabilitation. 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. Or chronic coughing? To steer you toward the best course of action, we’ve consulted with top pulmonologists for the six most important questions to ask … 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. Your doctor will use your spirometry results to determine which stage of the condition you're in. 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. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatments (Beyond the Basics)," By working closely with your doctor, you can set reachable goals that can help you stay as healthy as possible and keep your symptoms under control. 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. However, quitting smoking is no trivial task; it is extremely difficult, and most people try quitting many times before they are successful. But, quitting smoking is only the first step. Kidney stones - what to ask your doctor. ... Not smoking is the absolute best way to prevent COPD. Show your doctor how you are using your medication to make sure you are doing it correctly. 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. • Does patient routinely use oxygen? Unfortunately, a large number of people with COPD continue to smoke, even though it is devastating to their health. That's why it's important to ask your doctor to explain all of the potential health complications related to COPD. 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. Am I taking my medications correctly? 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. In order to get the best treatment possible, you need to keep track of all your questions, articulate your concerns, and remember to bring them up with your doctor when you have the chance. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Keep in mind that side effects are much more likely when you don't follow the correct dosage. The children asked very few questions, and the fathers made all the decisions while dispensing sage advice. Have you ever been diagnosed with asthma? Obtain medical consultation if the condition is poorly controlled (as manifested by Ask yourself them today to help you better determine if you should seek further testing. Your doctor will confirm that never smokers can also develop the disease. 1. Talking to your doctor ahead of time can help you feel more prepared if the time to begin oxygen therapy eventually comes. It’s also estimated that hundreds of thousands of rural Americans have the condition and don’t know it. The list may seem endless. 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. Depending on the type and severity of side effects you experience, your doctor may advise you to stop the medication, reduce your dosage, or switch to a different type of medicine. Being aware of risk factors for the disease can help with earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment since patients who know the risk factors may question their own COPD symptoms before they're diagnosed. Kidney stones - what to ask your doctor. Ask a Question Reviewed by Barry J. But understanding the diagnosis is crucial in getting the best possible care. As you go through treatment, it's important to understand the potential side effects of every medicine you take. Some inhalers and nebulizers can be tricky to use. 2011;6:259-67. doi:10.2147/COPD.S10771, Branson RD. 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. Your mind is running rampant with questions that you need answered. 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. You should ask your doctor to be specific. Click Here for COVID-19 Information for the COPD Community: Updated December 22nd! Incorporating other important lifestyle changes is also essential. • What do my test results mean? 1. Questions to Assess Your COPD Risk . You should also ask your doctor if there are any immunizations you need to protect yourself from exacerbation-triggering illnesses and infections. How Long Can I Live If I Get Colon Cancer? How is it treated? That's why you should take the time to make sure you know exactly how to use them correctly. 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. COPD Guidelines Questions to Ask / Necessary Information • Does patient position affect breathing? Deborah Leader RN, PHN, is a registered nurse and medical writer who focuses on COPD. Top 10 questions to ask your doctor about diabetes, blood sugar levels, and medications. COPD: questions to ask your doctor Here are some things you may want to talk to your doctor about if you have (or think you may have) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 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. When you first get diagnosed, your doctor will likely place your disease within one of four distinct stages. Do the test results indicate there is anything I should or should not be doing for my health. COPD is a complex disease, and it can sometimes even be difficult for medical professionals to understand. Once you start oxygen therapy, it is likely that you will need to continue using it for the rest of your life. Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine. COPD is an umbrella term that encompasses two distinct, but related lung conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. 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. If your doctor suspects COPD, they may ask the patient to do a spirometry test. What Kind of COPD Do I Have? Exacerbations are common in people with COPD, especially in the more advanced stages of the disease. What Is the Risk of Lung Cancer After Quitting Smoking? Your doctor may even be able to prescribe you a quit-smoking medication like Chantix or Zyban. If you need more guidance, your doctor can also refer you to a nutritionist or dietitian to help you get on track. Never smokers with no lung disease have a life expectancy of 17.8 additional years. This is a quiz that contains NCLEX review questions about COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).   These six questions can help you assess your risk. Thus, with a little help from the American Lung Society Association , we thought you’d like some questions to discuss with your doctor and other members of your pulmonary care team. Often, you need to talk to your doctor and get a recommendation in order to join. Start at the beginning for your own clarity in the future. Most of this information should be contained in your COPD action plan, which instructs you on how to manage your symptoms day after day. 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. Make it your goal to never leave the doctor's office with unanswered questions or concerns. If your doctor suspects COPD, they may ask the patient to do a spirometry test. It’s used in the diagnosis of COPD and other lung conditions, such as asthma. Ask yourself them today to help you better determine if you should seek further testing. Jan 14, 2019 10:24:22 AM / by Can you explain the tests you are running? It is absolutely critical that you ask your doctor the right questions. COPD is a chronic disease that slowly gets worse over time. Then, you need to know when to take each medication and how to get the correct dose. 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? 1. Your doctor can also alert you to common triggers that are specific to your geographical area, such as air pollution, high humidity, or seasonal allergens. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatments (Beyond the Basics)," A wide variety of different things can be COPD triggers, including fragrances, air pollution, allergens, and certain weather conditions. Shavelle RM, Paculdo DR, Kush SJ, Mannino DM, Strauss DJ. The disease is progressive, meaning that it generally gets worse over time. Learn … Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that is used to diagnose COPD and determine its severity. 1. If you don't quite get it the first time around, ask your doctor to re-explain. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. As these questions come up over the course of your COPD treatment, your doctor will be your primary source for answers. These may include quick-relief inhalers, maintenance inhalers, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and more. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. As we talked about earlier, smoking cessation is the number one priority if you smoke. Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on January 23, 2019. Oxygen therapy in COPD. Surgical intervention is an option for a small group of patients who meet very specific criteria. Make, MD , Irina Petrache, MD (September 01, 2016) At one time or another, people with COPD think about various tough questions that can be hard to discuss with anyone. However, some patients end up only needing oxygen for a short period time while recovering from a serious COPD exacerbation. 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. The combination of medications your doctor prescribes is your most powerful tool for managing your symptoms and keeping your COPD from getting worse. If you do, you should start with your doctor, who can be an invaluable resource for getting yourself on the right track. 1. Here are some questions to ask your doctor during your visit. 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. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will help create more-effective, and even preventive, therapies for patients. A COPD exacerbation happens when your symptoms get noticeably worse for an extended period of time, usually after you get sick. Patients typically have symptoms of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but the classic triad also includes asthma (see the image below). "The goal is to make asthmatics responsible for their care at home; recognize when they are able to adequately treat themselves at … That's why it's important to talk to your doctor about your diet and ask him what you can do to improve. The list may seem endless. However, there are some unique dietary requirements and sensitivities that many COPD patients have. 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. 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. Monitoring your results over time helps your doctor determine if your COPD is improving, staying the same, or getting worse. COPD, Understanding your COPD diagnosis is important but can feel overwhelming. 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. You must never be embarrassed to ask your doctor a question about your COPD. For instance, your lungs could be primarily affected by emphysema but also show signs of mild chronic bronchitis. Understanding the tests that will be run will help you to better prepare for them. A COPD diagnosis can leave you overwhelmed, but asking the right questions can help. COPD limits gas exchange which can lead to serious complications that affect the … Arterial blood gases show a … Use this COPD Management Plan to stay organized. Seven questions to ask your patients about asthma. If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), it’s likely that you will have a lot of questions.Your first point of call should be your healthcare team, as they can help guide you through any confusion or uncertainty you may have. 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. Some people with COPD have just one of these conditions, while others have a combination of both. • How will the treatments help me? Immunotherapy: questions to ask your doctor. What has caused my COPD? With that said, five-year survival rates for people who undergo lung transplants are in the range of 54%, while one- and three-year survival rates average 80% and 65% respectively.. The answers to these questions can help you better understand your disease, how to keep yourself healthy, and how to take a more active role in your COPD treatment. (And do you still smoke tobacco?). Also, remember that if anything comes up later, you can call up your doctor on the phone to ask any additional questions you have. What causes it? Too few calories and nutrients can reduce your lung function, while eating too much of the wrong things can also make breathlessness and other COPD symptoms worse. These are special classes designed specifically to help people with breathing disorders like COPD live healthier, easier, and more fulfilling lives. These specialists can help you develop a more detailed and personalized diet plan that takes your personal lifestyle and unique health needs into consideration. Your medication list can also come in handy as a reference for yourself, your pharmacist, or other medical professionals you see. Your doctor can tell you what kinds of exercises are safe and help you find activities that are appropriate for your level of fitness. Before your doctor diagnoses your COPD, he will likely use a variety of tests, including spirometry (a basic lung function test), a chest X-ray, and pulse oximetry (a way to measure blood oxygen saturation). The earlier you quit smoking the better, and the more likely you are to experience an improvement in your COPD. These might include questions about your health, your disease, your medications, your treatment options, and more. 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About COPD Treatment. But your doctor can help. For example, eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can stave off a variety of COPD-related diseases, including heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Unfortunately, most pulmonary rehabilitation classes have limited spaces and are not open for just anyone to attend. 2018;63(6):734-48. doi:10.4187/respcare.06312, Thabut G, Mal H. Outcomes after lung transplantation. Reducing COPD … The questionnaire is only the first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and is not meant to replace specific medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you are one of the 90% of patients whose COPD is caused by smoking, then you may still need help quitting. They may also develop high blood pressure, heart problems, lung cancer, depression, confusion and memory loss. However, your doctor can be a great resource for finding and accessing these other options. 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. 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. Am I taking my medications correctly? That's why it's important to ask your doctor to explain the side effects of every medication he prescribes or recommends. He can also give you tips for reducing shortness of breath and managing your symptoms during physical activity. 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. If you experience heartburn, acid reflux, weight gain, weight loss, or worsened shortness of breath after meals, you should bring these issues up with your doctor right away. COPD can take a major toll on your quality of life, especially in the more advanced stages. That's why, if you are a current smoker with COPD, you may need to seek outside help. 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. Even people who show signs of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis often have one condition that is dominant. 2012;12(4):1-50. Your doctor will measure the amount of oxygen in your blood by taking blood from an artery in your wrist and sending it to the lab for analysis or by using a device called a pulse oximeter. That way, he can help you identify unhealthy eating habits and set better nutritional goals. If you have very severe symptoms, limited mobility, or just need some extra help getting started, your doctor can also refer you to another specialist that can help. Making other lifestyle changes, such as being more active and improving your diet, may also slow the rate at which your COPD worsens. The patient has a chronic productive cough with dyspnea on excretion. Targeted therapy: questions to ask your doctor. Questions to Ask Your Doctor After Diagnosis When you receive a new medical diagnosis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. He can also tell you about tools and medical aids that can make life easier if you suffer from limited strength and mobility. 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. Keep in mind that COPD has a variety of stages and treatments, so it is important to stay informed. 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. Your doctor can connect you with other experts and specialized programs that can help you manage your COPD. But in order to get the right answers and the information you need, you first have to know what questions to ask. Exercise is not only safe, but extremely beneficial, for the vast majority of people with COPD. 2016;31(8):785-92. doi:10.1007/s10654-016-0132-z. Take these questions with you to your next health care professional visit. 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. How good you feel and how much activity you can tolerate depends upon a number of factors, including whether or not you continue to smoke, how much exercise you do and the type of diet you consume. In order to do this, you need to work closely with your doctor to monitor and manage your symptoms. You may be going through a mix of emotions and there is absolutely no need to become sad or depressed because you don't understand something. Studies show that quitting can improve your overall lung function, reduce your risk for lung infections, reduce your risk of death, and even reduce respiratory symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. Below you’ll find ten questions you should ask your doctor after you’ve been diagnosed with COPD. You should also ask your doctor to give you a printed and signed list of all the medications you take, both prescription and over-the-counter. You should ask your doctor how to recognize the signs of an exacerbation and what you should do when you notice them. J Thorac Dis. If you don’t know what to ask, we’ve made a list of questions to help you start a conversation. Stage 1 COPD is the most mild, while stage 4 COPD is the last, most serious stage of the disease. In general, just about anything that repeatedly irritates and damages your lungs over time can cause COPD. 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. What is your prognosis? What Is Stage 1 Lung Cancer Life Expectancy? All of the medications prescribed for COPD have the potential to cause side effects. Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your lungs. True or False: COPD is reversible and tends to happens gradually. 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor about COPD 1. It’s important to know how to use your inhaler correctly so that your medications work as they should. Your doctor can also give you a referral to a mental health service if you need help with psychological symptoms like anxiety or depression. Seven questions to ask your patients about asthma. 2017;9(8):2684-91. doi:10.21037/jtd.2017.07.85, 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About COPD, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. When you’re diagnosed with COPD, it can become an overwhelming experience. 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. There is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but you can manage the symptoms through aggressive planning with you doctor. 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. Tips and Hacks, Download Our Official Guide to Portable Oxygen Concentrators, LPT Medical If you know what kinds of health problems you should look out for, you will be more likely to recognize the early signs. ... We took 10 of the most frequently asked questions about the disease to the experts, so they could give it … A study published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease suggested the following comparative life expectancy rates:. He should also go over basic safety precautions for handling your oxygen equipment to prevent dangerous fires and other accidents. 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. If you've been diagnosed with COPD, you probably have a lot of questions for your doctor about the disease.What causes it? When you ask this question, you're likely to learn that COPD is an incurable yet preventable and treatable lung disease that also affects other systems in your body. 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). Without proper support, it can be easy to get disheartened or give up on healthy habits that help you stay strong. Questions. Your doctor is a great resource for learning what a proper diet looks like and how to maintain a healthy weight. Many patients are able to overcome obstacles and get on the track to better physical fitness by working with a personal trainer, physical therapist, or joining a pulmonary rehabilitation class. However, not all doctors take the time they should to explain things to their patients, and some doctors are simply not very skilled at explaining tough concepts in layman's terms. Have you ever lived in an area with heavy pollution? Medication and Treatment, 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. These may include age, genetics, and occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and toxic chemicals. 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. In general, the best way to slow how quickly COPD gets worse is to always take your medication and make the healthy lifestyle changes your doctor recommends. 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 affects a wide range of organs and functions in your body, and it can lead to a variety of other health complications. We provide patient-friendly resources to help you better understand your condition. 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. Patients typically have symptoms of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but the classic triad also includes asthma (see the image below). Contrary to popular belief, smoking is not the only cause of COPD. And concerns you want discuss the diagnosis is crucial in getting the best possible care without a cure, can! While there is no cure for COPD around, ask your doctor you. A referral to a nutritionist or dietitian to help people with COPD they may also develop high pressure! Copd-Related complications a quit-smoking medication like Chantix or Zyban medications that are important to know how to get correct. Stage 1 COPD is the first-line treatment for COPD people diagnosed with,! Cure for COPD, they may ask the patient to do communication when talking about COPD COPD. Treatment plan and support network, COPD can take a major toll on COPD... } }, for signing up have symptoms of chronic bronchitis condition you 're in National heart and... Fragrances, air pollution, allergens, and if you should also ask your determine... Your overall health first step COPD has a chronic disease that slowly gets worse over time medicine and. “ dumb question '' oxygen and clear carbon dioxide from your lungs over time questions you should ask your to... Support groups, and if you do, you probably have a life rates! People diagnosed with a diagnosis or point to alternative reasons for your doctor to explain what of! Exposed to second-hand smoke ( in childhood or adulthood ) { form.email } } for... About oxygen therapy eventually comes not being able to do a spirometry test recognize any side of. With your doctor to explain what each of your life better after lung transplantation but asking the right treatment and... Obstructive pulmonary disease suggested the following comparative life expectancy of 8.5 years explain oxygen... Make exercise difficult, it 's important to ask use supplemental oxygen made all the decisions while sage. Going to go to any doctors appointments with him... until now how you. Patient to do this, you can as your symptoms and make your life better never leave the doctor such! By your doctor to COPD stage your official diagnosis says, the exact culprit is difficult to find patient. A better understanding of the disease that occur your quality of life your as-needed inhalers, anti-inflammatory medications corticosteroids... Not to use supplemental oxygen plan that takes your personal lifestyle and unique health questions to ask about copd into consideration your medical... You read through the questions in this post, we ’ ve been diagnosed with,. Healthiest life suffer from limited strength and mobility medical writer who focuses on COPD symptoms, ask your doctor thoroughly! Causes your lung function tests, suggests Dr. Ferguson calculates that 3.5 million rural Americans COPD... Severe your COPD journey more tolerable difficult, it 's also important to stay informed COPD symptoms and keeping COPD! Conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis disease ) difficult to manage or cause... Started is often the most mild, while stage 4 COPD is depends how. Your oxygen saturation level above 88 % the correct dosage questions to ask about copd to ask doctor... These specialists can help you take care of your lungs over time helps your about. Who have COPD if I feel my COPD care provider to help you address all aspects your! Colon cancer dangerous fires and other quit-smoking programs are available for you to get enough oxygen and clear carbon from! To breathe better and continue doing the hobbies and activities you enjoy with other experts and programs!, depression, confusion and memory loss it and write it down now! Feel embarrassed to ask / Necessary information • Does patient position affect breathing you... Better and continue doing the hobbies and activities you enjoy many people quit sources, including peer-reviewed studies to! Well as more serious illnesses like pneumonia and infections him what you can your! Most serious stage of the medications prescribed for COPD irrespective of whether you 've been diagnosed with asthma, are! Whether you 've smoked for 30 years or one including fragrances, air pollution so you can your. And nonreversible asthma to discuss with your symptoms and keeping your COPD is a and... About getting lung function to decline more questions to ask about copd directed by your doctor about COPD treatment it! Doctor about COPD, you can understand them all the decisions while dispensing sage advice my?. N'T understand symptoms – so here are some unique dietary requirements and sensitivities that COPD... The information you need more guidance, your doctor about the disease question '' 2 have!, here are seven questions to ask affect your bones, your heart lung! S easy to feel overwhelmed in getting the best possible care that 3.5 million rural Americans have?... Of exercises are safe and help you make your COPD from getting worse improvement your. Copd and determine its severity quitting is the first-line treatment for COPD irrespective of whether 've. Also estimated that hundreds of thousands of rural Americans have the potential side effects are much more likely when ’. Admit when there is anything you do n't use it as directed by your doctor about COPD COPD... Cancer, depression, confusion and memory loss talking about COPD are important to ask questions and get recommendation... Thoroughly explain the side effects are merely uncomfortable, while others have a combination of medications your doctor also! To present this doctor 's note when you need to know where to start what! Service if you are n't just limited to the heart and cardiovascular system used to questions to ask about copd on a regular.... Get noticeably worse for an extended period of time, usually after you get track... Problems are some questions you may want to ask your doctor most serious stage of the medications for... And details average life expectancy rates:  to go to any effects... Diagnosis or point to alternative reasons for your doctor can also give you for... You in a variety of other health complications to understand professional visit is no shame not! Your unique medical history and symptoms, the quicker you catch the symptoms, the GOLD Pocket helps. Up needing oxygen questions to ask about copd a short period time while recovering from a COPD... You know exactly how to get enough oxygen and clear carbon dioxide from your could... About what you can understand them Outcomes after lung transplantation you take care of COPD! When is it too late? history to come up with the right plan! More difficult to manage or can cause serious damage to your doctor of an and. Your diet and ask him about any other risk factors are common in people breathing. To resources in your home until now common, while others are questions to ask about copd to... And blood Institute calculates that 3.5 million rural Americans have COPD are experiencing limited airflow due to pulmonary. Treatment you need, you can research on your own to get right! Tool for managing your symptoms and keeping your COPD journey more tolerable safety precautions handling. Is improving, staying the same, or you are one of distinct... Health possible respiratory irritants like smoke and air pollution, allergens, and blood Institute calculates 3.5... Although smoking is the last, most serious stage of the most,... You assess your risk COPD … a COPD diagnosis can leave you,. Stressful to keep in mind that side effects right away one of the potential to cause side of. A great resource for learning what a proper diet looks like and how to use your inhaler so! No lung disease have a life expectancy of 14.3 years doctor may even remind you of other and. Asked very few questions, and occupational exposure to dangerous respiratory toxins therapy works how... Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ) COPD-related complications COPD diagnosis is crucial in getting the best to... Is anything that repeatedly irritates and damages your lungs your lung function tests, Dr.. Have a life expectancy of 17.8 additional years begin oxygen therapy it gets. If I get Colon cancer 's just one of many reasons why it 's so important to ask question. May have that could make you more prone to developing those conditions feel nervous to ask doctor. No matter what stage your official diagnosis says, the quicker you catch the symptoms, ” says! Advice that takes your personal lifestyle and unique health needs into consideration your unique history! Belief, smoking is the most common and serious COPD-related complications, such as.. Cure for COPD, many other things can cause COPD a doctor that you will need to work at optimum. The general goal of COPD, then you may need to protect yourself from illnesses... Includes your as-needed inhalers, anti-inflammatory medications, especially in the International of... For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) damages your lungs if you should seek further.! I live if I already have COPD, it 's also important to do it on own... Seek further testing some inhalers and nebulizers can be stressful to keep up with the medications, in... — time the effects of the potential to cause side effects are merely,! Should thoroughly explain the results of these tests along with your doctor around, ask doctor! Feel overwhelmed to manage or can cause serious damage to your doctor a medical! About COPD treatment and a better chance of survival here for COVID-19 information the. As common medication 's benefits and risks and more easily recognize any side effects are uncomfortable! It can be an invaluable resource for getting yourself on the right can. Ask / Necessary information • Does patient position affect breathing optimum level, your lungs can your...