Inhaled medicines are used to help treat symptoms of breathlessness in COPD. Inhalers come in all different styles, shapes and sizes. They may be aerosol inhalers or single dose capsules loaded into an inhaler device. See our Practical guide to inhalers section on this website for more information. Some people who have difficulty using an […]
Spirometry is: A test to show how your lungs are working. One of the first tests which may be carried out to investigate any respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough or wheeze. The test can show if the narrowing of your airways is reversible or not and this helps with the diagnosis of […]
Diagnosis and tests Smoking Inhalers Nebulisers and oxygen Daily living
An exacerbation or flare up is as a worsening of your symptoms from your usual stable state, which is not within your normal day-to-day variations. It can start suddenly. There will be a discussion about how you manage with breathlessness on a day to day basis and how you cope if you have a flare up […]
When you see the specialist, he or she will make a full assessment including: How you feel from day to day and what causes you problems (your symptoms). How far you can walk at a normal pace (to work out your breathlessness score – the MRC scale). Your inhaler technique should be checked to make […]
It may be useful to take all your inhalers and medicines with you. You may be asked to demonstrate how you are taking your inhalers to get the maximum effect from them. Note when and how often you take them. Have you had any side effects? If you have a diary with your symptoms take […]
Being diagnosed and living with any chronic illness can be stressful and lead to lots of unexpected changes in your life. People with lung diseases can experience increased worries, anxiety, low mood or depression. Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health and being diagnosed with COPD can be stressful. Your doctor […]
The doctor or nurse will assess you to decide if you have COPD and to identify any risk factors you have for developing the condition. They will ask you questions about your past medical history, your home circumstances and your general health and lifestyle. These questions may include:- Your symptoms and how they are affecting your […]
Symptoms of COPD normally develop over many years Usually in patients who are over 35 years of age. A chronic cough is present on most days. Along with a cough there can be increase in the amount of spit or phlegm. The colour of your spit or phlegm may change from frothy and white to […]
