You have been diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) COPD has 2 states: 1. You are stable. You are not short of breath, can do daily activities, can cough up mucus easily, sleep well, and are able to exercise. Or..... 2. You are having a flare up.
How to tell if you are having a flare up A flare up may occur after you get a cold, get run down, are exposed to air pollution, or very hot/cold weather. There are 3 things that define a flare up: 1. Increased shortness of breath from your usual level. 2. Increased amount of sputum from your usual level. 3. If your sputum changes from its usual colour to yellow, green, or rust colour. You may also feel a change in mood, fatigue or low energy prior to a flare-up.
If 2 or more of these symptoms persist for 24 hours or more, do the following: Take your rescue inhaler 2-4 puffs as needed (up to 4-6 times per day) for shortness of breath. Call your family doctor immediately for a check up and medication review. Use prescribed prednisone for a COPD flare up. Take mg per day for days. Use prescribed antibiotic for a COPD flare up. Take mg per day for days. Contact your doctor if you feel worse or do not feel better after 48 hours of treatment. Other:
If you are extremely breathless, anxious, fearful, drowsy or having chest pain, call 911 for an ambulance to take you to the Emergency Department
Physician Signature:
Patient Signature: (optional)
Subject: