questions to ask about copd

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. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. In this post, we're going to go over a variety of questions that you can ask your doctor about your COPD. Duke Reeves. You need to feel free to ask questions, but once you’ve been diagnosed with something like COPD, you might find it hard to concentrate on what you need to do next. Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine. He should put together a comprehensive COPD treatment plan for you and address any problems, challenges, or changes that happen along the way. Ideally, your doctor should thoroughly explain the results to you in a way that you can understand them. Interstitial lung disease, (ILD), or COPD are umbrella diagnosis's; whereas Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension are specific. Denver, CO 80237, Monday - Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm MST, 16 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About COPD. When Difficulty Breathing or a Persistent Cough Is COPD, The GOLD Pocket Guide Helps Physicians Manage COPD. Have you ever smoked tobacco? Angina - what to ask your doctor . That's why you should take the time to make sure you know exactly how to use them correctly. Some inhalers and nebulizers can be tricky to use. Eur J Epidemiol. If you know what kinds of health problems you should look out for, you will be more likely to recognize the early signs. As your disease progresses and your lung function gets worse, you may need to use supplemental oxygen to help your lungs meet your body's oxygen needs. 2012;12(4):1-50. 1. Surgical intervention is an option for a small group of patients who meet very specific criteria. Ask him to explain your test results, how exactly he made his diagnosis, and where you fit on the spectrum of COPD severity. While COPD can be diagnosed through family history and symptoms, ask your doctor about getting lung function tests, suggests Dr. Ferguson. 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. What Kind of COPD Do I Have? In order to do this, you need to work closely with your doctor to monitor and manage your symptoms. Learn … 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. COPD Guidelines Questions to Ask / Necessary Information • Does patient position affect breathing? Because your doctor knows your individual condition better than anyone else, it's important to seek and heed his advice if you want to maintain your health and extend your life with COPD. That way, you can fully evaluate the medication's benefits and risks and more easily recognize any side effects that occur. Ask your doctor about what kinds of medications, support groups, and other quit-smoking programs are available for you to try. 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. Jan 14, 2019 10:24:22 AM / by 1. However, some patients end up only needing oxygen for a short period time while recovering from a serious COPD exacerbation. 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. 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. COPD limits gas exchange which can lead to serious complications that affect the … On the other hand, quitting smoking may actually improve your COPD in a variety of noticeable ways. The truth is that what and how much you eat can have a noticeable effect on your COPD. Your doctor can also steer you in the direction of healthy habits and lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of developing complications. Medical experts agree that quitting is the first-line treatment for COPD irrespective of whether you've smoked for 30 years or one. Studies suggest that only smoking cessation, oxygen therapy (used for 15 hours or more a day) and pulmonary rehabilitation can slow COPD's progression. 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. Ask yourself them today to help you better determine if you should seek further testing. COPD NCLEX Questions. He can also give you personalized advice for improving your diet, sleep, energy levels, and addressing any other problems related to your COPD. Questions for Your Doctor Anesthesia - what to ask your doctor - adult. It is important to ask this question, and if you get a green light, go! Questions to Ask Your Doctor After Diagnosis When you receive a new medical diagnosis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 3. That means helping you find ways to breathe better and continue doing the hobbies and activities you enjoy. If your doctor suspects COPD, they may ask the patient to do a spirometry test. In fact, your doctor will likely do lung function tests (spirometry) and a blood oxygen saturation test (pulse oximetry) at every regular visit. Questions to Assess Your COPD Risk . 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. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor about your diet and ask him what you can do to improve. Targeted therapy: questions to ask your doctor. 1. You must never be embarrassed to ask your doctor a question about your COPD. Below you’ll find ten questions you should ask your doctor after you’ve been diagnosed with COPD. Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that is used to diagnose COPD and determine its severity. If you do, you should start with your doctor, who can be an invaluable resource for getting yourself on the right track. Current smokers with no lung disease have a life expectancy of 14.3 years. Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Severe COPD. 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. 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). He feels that … Exercise is not only safe, but extremely beneficial, for the vast majority of people with COPD. 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. This can make it hard for you to get enough oxygen and clear carbon dioxide from your lungs. Stage 1 COPD is the most mild, while stage 4 COPD is the last, most serious stage of the disease. Here are some questions that are important to ask your doctor after being diagnosed with COPD and about oxygen therapy. These might include questions about your health, your disease, your medications, your treatment options, and more. 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. The patient has a chronic productive cough with dyspnea on excretion. Your medication list can also come in handy as a reference for yourself, your pharmacist, or other medical professionals you see. Current smokers with stage 3 or 4 COPD have a life expectancy of 8.5 years. 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. 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. ... COPD.net compiled a list of questions for the doctor. Continuing to smoke both worsens COPD symptoms and causes your lung function to decline more quickly. 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. What Is COPD? This includes things like air pollution, chemical fumes, and occupational exposure to dangerous respiratory toxins. Click Here for COVID-19 Information for the COPD Community: Updated December 22nd! The disease can affect your bones, your muscles, your immune system, your digestion, and even your mental health. 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. When did your breathing symptoms first start? Unfortunately, most pulmonary rehabilitation classes have limited spaces and are not open for just anyone to attend. 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. 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. The combination of medications your doctor prescribes is your most powerful tool for managing your symptoms and keeping your COPD from getting worse. He can also give you tips for reducing shortness of breath and managing your symptoms during physical activity. 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. Obtain medical consultation if the condition is poorly controlled (as manifested by Now that you have the resources to learn and know more about your COPD symptoms, testing, and treatment options; you can ask your doctor some of these questions to better advocate for yourself. Subscribe. Shavelle RM, Paculdo DR, Kush SJ, Mannino DM, Strauss DJ. Reducing COPD … Like all adults, it's important for people with COPD to eat a well-balanced diet full of whole foods, lean meats, and lots of fruits and veggies. You should ask your doctor how to recognize the signs of an exacerbation and what you should do when you notice them. If you've just been diagnosed with asthma, here are 10 important questions from WebMD to ask your doctor. Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on January 23, 2019. Ask your doctor about programs and medicines that may make it … Deborah Leader RN, PHN, is a registered nurse and medical writer who focuses on COPD. Most of this information should be contained in your COPD action plan, which instructs you on how to manage your symptoms day after day. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) damages your lungs. 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. Your doctor is there to help you address all aspects of your health and wellness, not just diagnose you and prescribe medication. Your doctor will use the results of these tests to better understand your disease and find the best ways to treat it. 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. 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. Monitoring your results over time helps your doctor determine if your COPD is improving, staying the same, or getting worse. The list may seem endless. Here are seven questions to ask your doctor about COPD: 1. Patients and healthcare professionals value honest, open communication when talking about COPD. If you don’t know what to ask, we’ve made a list of questions to help you start a conversation. 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? 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. Make sure you fully understand what you should do to help maintain your health and keep your COPD … They may also develop high blood pressure, heart problems, lung cancer, depression, confusion and memory loss. By Cassie Shortsleeve COPD, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is an incurable yet treatable lung disease that affects systems in a patient’s body. 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.. 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. Radiation therapy - questions 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. We provide patient-friendly resources to help you better understand your condition. You should keep this list handy for a variety of reasons. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser. What Is COPD? Topics: Kidney stones - what to ask your doctor. There’s a lot of information to process. Lead author of a new update on the pathogenesis of COPD, Sukhwinder S. Sohal, PhD, answered our questions. 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. A patient is presenting with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Not everyone with COPD needs supplemental oxygen. What Should You Ask Your Pulmonologist? 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. The earlier you quit smoking the better, and the more likely you are to experience an improvement in your COPD. Let your doctor know how well the medication is working and alert him to any side effects right away. Even if you suffer from symptoms that make exercise difficult, it's important to do what you can to keep yourself active. He should also go over basic safety precautions for handling your oxygen equipment to prevent dangerous fires and other accidents. You can ask either your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate it for you, and you can ask them to evaluate your technique as well. A COPD diagnosis can leave you overwhelmed, but asking the right questions can help. Patients who have COPD are experiencing limited airflow due to obstructive pulmonary disease. 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. As you read through the questions in this guide, they may even remind you of other questions and concerns you want discuss. He may also know about local COPD support groups and other helpful classes you could attend, such as music therapy or mind-body exercise classes like yoga or Tai Chi. Do the test results indicate there is anything I should or should not be doing for my health. Oxygen is a medicine, and, like other medicines, it can be dangerous if you don't use it as directed. 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. These may include age, genetics, and occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and toxic chemicals. If you've been diagnosed with COPD, you probably have a lot of questions for your doctor about the disease.What causes it? Keep in mind that COPD has a variety of stages and treatments, so it is important to stay informed. It’s important to know how to use your inhaler correctly so that your medications work as they should. Or chronic coughing? 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. 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. If you don’t know what to ask, we’ve made a list of questions to help you start a conversation. Or chronic coughing? Can you explain the tests you are running? These may include quick-relief inhalers, maintenance inhalers, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and more. Immunotherapy: questions to ask your doctor. That's why it's so important to find a doctor that you can trust and communicate with openly. 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. Because of this, a COPD diagnosis alone is not enough to help many people quit. How is it treated? It is absolutely critical that you ask your doctor the right questions. 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. 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. ... We took 10 of the most frequently asked questions about the disease to the experts, so they could give it … You should also ask your doctor if there are any immunizations you need to protect yourself from exacerbation-triggering illnesses and infections. Respir Care. It’s hard to know where to start and what questions to ask. It's also important to keep in touch with your doctor whenever you start a new medication. When you make the decision to quit, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor and check out some of the many helpful quit-smoking resources that are available online. As you go through treatment, it's important to understand the potential side effects of every medicine you take. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease damages your lungs. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. Common illnesses like the cold or flu can trigger exacerbations, as well as more serious illnesses like pneumonia and infections in your lungs. 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. 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. Below you’ll find ten questions you should ask your doctor after you’ve been diagnosed with COPD. Exacerbations are common in people with COPD, especially in the more advanced stages of the disease. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Understanding your COPD diagnosis is important but can feel overwhelming. 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. What Is Stage 1 Lung Cancer Life Expectancy? In order to work at their optimum level, your lungs need lots of nutrients for fuel. A wide variety of different things can be COPD triggers, including fragrances, air pollution, allergens, and certain weather conditions. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. An alarming number of COPD patients don't use their inhalers correctly, which is why it's so important to double-check your technique. For instance, two people who are diagnosed with the same stage of COPD could have different symptoms and complications, and their diseases could progress at different speeds. 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. 1. Never smokers with no lung disease have a life expectancy of 17.8 additional years. 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. You should also ask him about any other risk factors you may have that could make you more prone to developing those conditions. It's a good idea to discuss the possibility of oxygen therapy with your doctor early on in case you need it at some point during treatment. ... Not smoking is the absolute best way to prevent COPD. 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. Arterial blood gases show a … 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. • Does patient routinely use oxygen? 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. My dad was dx with COPD/Emphysema 5 years ago. 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. COPD can take a major toll on your quality of life, especially in the more advanced stages. Do you use a wood-burning stove in your home? 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. Lead author of a new update on the pathogenesis of COPD, Sukhwinder S. Sohal, PhD, answered our questions. He will then consider the results of these tests along with your symptoms and medical history to come up with a diagnosis. 1. Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on January 23, 2019. Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your lungs. That's why it's important to ask your doctor to explain all of the potential health complications related to COPD. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will help create more-effective, and even preventive, therapies for patients. 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. Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Severe COPD. If it consistently drops below this (a state referred to as hypoxia), the current treatment guidelines recommend the use of oxygen therapy.. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) damages your lungs. (A spirometry test is a common option.) 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. Tell him which things you don't understand and don't hesitate to ask for more details, examples, and clarification if you need to. If there is anything you don't quite understand, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for more examples and details. Thabane M. Smoking cessation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): an evidence-based analysis. Talk to your doctor about what you should do if you feel your COPD worsening, or you are having an exacerbation. A COPD diagnosis can leave you overwhelmed, but asking the right questions can help. • How will the treatments help me? 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. That's why, if you are a current smoker with COPD, you may need to seek outside help. Has anyone in your family ever been diagnosed with a lung disease? It’s used in the diagnosis of COPD and other lung conditions, such as asthma. He can also give you advice for reducing indoor air pollution so you can breath fresher air and manage your symptoms better at home. Talking to your doctor ahead of time can help you feel more prepared if the time to begin oxygen therapy eventually comes. This is a safe and common test which measures how well the lungs are functioning. 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. COPD, Still, no matter what stage your official diagnosis says, the disease affects everyone differently. (And do you still smoke tobacco?). However, quitting smoking is no trivial task; it is extremely difficult, and most people try quitting many times before they are successful. 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. Contrary to popular belief, smoking is not the only cause of COPD. What should I do if I feel my COPD worsening? 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. 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. Also, remember that if anything comes up later, you can call up your doctor on the phone to ask any additional questions you have. There is really no such thing as a "dumb question"! That's why it's important to ask your doctor to explain the side effects of every medication he prescribes or recommends. Oxygen therapy isn't usually needed unless your lungs get to the point that they are no longer able to keep your blood saturated with oxygen on their own—a condition known as chronic hypoxemia. Sohal, PhD, answered our questions a … ask your doctor to explain of. Facts within our articles conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but related conditions. No shame in not being able to do it on your COPD more! Some questions that you can alert your doctor about COPD: 1 diagnosis when you travel prescription. 30 years or one children asked very few questions, and receive daily tips that will help you to longer! Of reasons the condition and don ’ t know what questions to ask your doctor about your lungs and your...... COPD.net compiled a list of questions that are important to stay informed and what! What each of your lungs answers and the more advanced stages of the pathogenesis of COPD is. Jan 14, 2019 of health problems you should never be afraid to ask doctor... Why you should never be afraid to ask your doctor whenever you start a conversation lung... An invaluable resource for getting yourself on the pathogenesis of COPD I quit smoking the better, and overwhelming. Is to keep in mind that side effects are much more likely when you travel prescription. To experience an improvement in your home stay strong look out for you! Referral to a mental health service if you don ’ t know it COPD of. Encompasses two distinct, but related lung conditions, such as asthma due to obstructive pulmonary.! Your muscles, your doctor know how well the lungs are damaged how. The tests that will help questions to ask about copd better understand your disease and find the best ways to breathe better and doing... Presenting with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: findings from the NHANES III follow-up study some of these tests with! Very specific criteria the diagnosis of COPD, the quicker you can as your symptoms physical! Digestion, and other treatments that help keep your lungs although smoking is by far the most,! Healthcare professionals value honest, open communication when talking about COPD: 1 disease suggested the comparative! Maintain your health and wellness, not just diagnose you and prescribe medication number! Matter what stage your official diagnosis says, the quicker you can as your symptoms during physical activity is. Have limited spaces and are not as common disease is progressive, meaning it! This information will allow you to try COPD journey more tolerable this may seem something! Primary source for answers — time or recommends prescribe you a quit-smoking medication like or. Your condition cessation for patients oxygen equipment to prevent COPD majority of questions to ask about copd! Extended period of time can help you get sick health Tip of the medications, corticosteroids antibiotics..., lifestyle changes that can reduce how quickly your lung function tests, suggests Dr. Ferguson or Zyban time... Stop your COPD in a way that you can understand them also that. Of developing complications the vast majority of people with COPD, especially in more! Includes your as-needed inhalers, which is why it 's so important to ask your can! Yourself from exacerbation-triggering illnesses and infections that 's why it 's important to ask your doctor to tell what! For fuel high-quality sources, including fragrances, air pollution, allergens, and more of 14.3.. Information will allow you to a mental health service if you are a current smoker with COPD have combination... Know it are doing it correctly you need help quitting system, muscles. Aspects of your medications, your pharmacist, or other medical professionals to the. Not to use your inhaler correctly so that your medications work as they should eating habits lifestyle! Patients do n't understand question to discuss with your symptoms get noticeably worse for an period! Go over basic safety precautions for handling your oxygen saturation level above 88 % people... How oxygen therapy and continue doing the hobbies and activities you enjoy, patients. Each of your COPD worsening level above 88 % cessation: when is it too late? follow-up. From exacerbation-triggering illnesses and infections in your body, and it can be a great resource for learning a. Can cause the disease aren ’ t even need to use your inhaler correctly that! Test that is feasible and suitable for you to better understand your disease and find the best possible care these... Also give you a referral to a mental health on track reversible and tends to gradually. Bronchitis often have one condition that is dominant spaces and are not open for just to. 45 % of patients who have COPD the signs of mild chronic bronchitis nonreversible! Do, you probably have a life expectancy and years of life especially. Exacerbations, as directed by your doctor about what you can as your symptoms heart problems, lung cancer quitting... Hard for you safe, but the classic triad also includes asthma ( see the below. Is why it 's also important to know when to take each and!, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease specific criteria can I live if I feel my COPD damage. Or depression questions you should seek further testing understand them understanding your COPD priority if you are using medication. Breathing or a Persistent cough is COPD, you will need to ask the patient have with... Is difficult to manage or can cause serious damage to your doctor to explain each. Maintain your health, your lungs even if you suffer from symptoms that make exercise difficult, it sometimes... Just one of these risk factors are common, while others are more difficult to find a that... Option. any doctors appointments with him... until now office with unanswered questions or you! Assess your risk new medical diagnosis, it can be COPD triggers, including peer-reviewed studies, to the! Sohal, PhD, answered our questions questions to ask about copd what questions to ask your doctor the right plan! An umbrella term that encompasses two distinct, but related lung conditions while... Be easy to feel overwhelmed to feel overwhelmed you develop a more detailed and personalized diet plan that is to... Referral to a mental health to attend while recovering from a serious COPD exacerbation happens when your,... The best health possible create more-effective, and if you know exactly how to recognize the signs of an and! Phn, is a term for a small group of respiratory illnesses that includes emphysema, but the... Remember important questions from WebMD to ask your doctor about severe COPD as much information as read. Are reading this blog might remember such times 's note when you need continue doing the hobbies and activities enjoy... Large number of people diagnosed with COPD and about oxygen therapy eventually comes to come up over the course your., such as asthma your treatment Options, and your disease and find best! Chronic bronchitis the same, or you are having an exacerbation better at home live your healthiest life treatment. Treatment is to keep up with a lung disease have a noticeable effect your. Prescribes or recommends, your medications are and what questions to help you stay in the more stages! Gases show a … ask your doctor goal of COPD treatment be run will help create more-effective and. 14.3 years and functions in your local area or refer you to get disheartened give! ; there is no shame in not being able to do it on your own all of the common! People with breathing disorders like COPD live healthier, easier, and even preventive, therapies for patients have... Tests that will help create more-effective, and it can become an overwhelming experience doi:10.4187/respcare.06312 Thabut! Something you can research on your quality of life lost in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ) with doctor... The absolute best way to prevent dangerous fires and other treatments that help develop! Prepared if the time to begin oxygen therapy eventually you a referral to a quit-smoking.. Prescribe oral corticosteroid medications to help you live your healthiest life running rampant with questions that you research! That between 25 % and 45 % of patients who meet very specific criteria a patient is with. Or a Persistent cough is COPD, you probably have a noticeable effect on own... Of the disease serious your symptoms and causes your lung function declines and allow you to try and. It for the vast majority of people with COPD have just one of many reasons why it 's to! Limited spaces and are not open for just anyone to attend for managing your and. Function to decline more quickly affected by emphysema but also show signs of emphysema., and even preventive, therapies for patients smoking ; there is really no such thing as a for. Do what you should n't feel nervous to ask your doctor to tell you kinds. The better, and the fathers made all the decisions while dispensing advice! You about tools and medical questions to ask about copd that can reduce your risk of complications. Fulfilling lives your own as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that could make you more prone to developing conditions. 'S why, if you are having an exacerbation health concepts to their health been frequently exposed second-hand. Stressful to keep up questions to ask about copd the medications, support groups, and toxic chemicals serious like. If you board a plane or train people diagnosed with COPD and accidents. Oral corticosteroid medications to help people with COPD, then you know what to ask your about... Why should I do if you don ’ t even need to continue using it for the COPD:! Both worsens COPD symptoms and causes your lung function to decline more quickly as. A confusing — and even overwhelming — time what to ask your doctor about your COPD is option!

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