A COPD Action Plan will help you manage your COPD, and recognize an exacerbation.
An exacerbation, or flare, is a time when COPD worsens, and you may need to change treatment, or seek medical care.
A change or increase in symptoms may be the only early warning sign of an exacerbation.
When your symptoms are getting worse, you may notice one or more of the following.
More mucus or mucus that is yellow or green.
More shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.
A general feeling of ill health.
Forgetfulness, confusion, trouble sleeping.
Lack of energy, or feeling constantly tired, and morning headaches.
Ask your health care provider to write a COPD Action Plan just for you. Keep a copy with you, and share it with those close to you.
Here are the important parts of a COPD Action Plan.
Daily care, what to do if your symptoms worsen or change and when to call your health care provider.
Daily care includes what you do every day to control your COPD.
Take your medicines, use oxygen if your health care provider has prescribed it for you, exercise regularly, eat a good diet and avoid tobacco smoke and irritants.
If your COPD symptoms worsen or change, continue your daily care.
In addition, use your quick relief medicine and start additional medicines as ordered by your health care provider.
Get plenty of rest, and call your health care provider if you do not improve.
If you have severe symptoms, such as severe shortness of breath, even at rest, fever, chest pain, feeling very sleepy or very confused, or coughing up blood, you need urgent medical care. Call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room right away.