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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Care Instructions

Lungs in chest showing bronchial tubes in left lung, with detail of healthy airway and inflamed airway

Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. With COPD, the airways that lead to the lungs are narrowed, and the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged and lose their stretch. People with COPD have decreased airflow in and out of the lungs, which makes it hard to breathe. The airways also can get clogged with thick mucus. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of COPD.

Although there is no cure for COPD, you can slow its progress. Following your treatment plan and taking care of yourself can help you feel better and live longer.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Staying healthy

Do not smoke or vape (tobacco, cannabis, or other inhaled substances) at all. This is the most important step you can take to prevent more damage to your lungs. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
Avoid colds and influenza (flu). Ask your healthcare provider about the pneumococcal vaccine. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need a second dose. Get the flu vaccine every fall. If you must be around people with colds or the flu, wash your hands often.
Know your triggers, and avoid them.

Medicines and oxygen therapy

Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You may be taking medicines such as:
- Bronchodilators. These help open your airways and make breathing easier. They are either short-acting (work for 6 to 9 hours) or long-acting (work for 24 hours). You inhale most bronchodilators, so they start to act quickly. Always carry your quick-relief inhaler with you in case you need it while you are away from home.
- Corticosteroids (such as prednisone or budesonide). These reduce airway inflammation. They come in pill or inhaled form. You must take these medicines every day for them to work well.
If you use a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI), learn how to use a spacer. A spacer will help you get more inhaled medicine to your lungs.
Do not take any over-the-counter medicine or natural health products without talking to your doctor first.
If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
If you use oxygen therapy, use the dose your doctor has recommended. Don't change it without talking to your doctor or respiratory therapist first. Oxygen therapy helps your organs and tissues get the oxygen they need to work properly and be healthy.

Activity

Get regular exercise. Walking is an easy way to get exercise. Start out slowly, and walk a little more each day.
Pay attention to your breathing. You are exercising too hard if you can't talk while you exercise.
Take short rest breaks when doing household chores and other activities.
Learn breathing methods—such as breathing through pursed lips—to help you become less short of breath.
If your doctor has not set you up with a pulmonary rehabilitation program, ask if rehab is right for you. Rehab includes exercise programs, education about your disease and how to manage it, help with diet and other changes, and emotional support.
Ask your doctor or respiratory therapist when to take your medicine, before being active.

Diet

Eat regular, healthy meals. Eat several small meals instead of three large ones. Drink beverages at the end of the meal. Avoid foods that are hard to chew.
Eat a balanced diet, including sources of protein so you don't lose muscle mass.
Talk with your doctor if you gain too much weight or if you lose weight without trying.

Mental health

Talk to your family, friends, or a therapist about your feelings. Many people with COPD feel anxious, frightened, angry, hopeless, helpless, and even guilty. Talking openly about your feelings can help you cope. If these feelings last, talk to your doctor.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

You have severe trouble breathing.
You have severe chest pain.

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

You have new or worse trouble breathing.
You have new or worse chest pain.
You cough up blood.
You have a fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:

You cough more deeply or more often, especially if you notice more mucus or a change in the colour of your mucus.
You have new or worse swelling in your legs or belly.
You have feelings of anxiety or depression.
You need to use your antibiotic or steroid pills.
You are not getting better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter X915 in the search box to learn more about "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Care Instructions".

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.