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COPD Action Plan

Table of Contents


Overview

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your usual shortness of breath could suddenly get worse. You may start coughing more and have more mucus. This flare-up is called a COPD exacerbation (say "ig-ZAS-ur-BAY-shun").

A lung infection or air pollution could set off an exacerbation. Sometimes it can happen after being around chemicals.

Work with your doctor to make a plan for dealing with an exacerbation. You can better manage it if you plan ahead.

How do you use a COPD action plan?

A COPD action plan is a written plan that tells you how to treat your COPD and what to do when your symptoms get worse. It helps you make quick decisions in an emergency. Your action plan has three zones based on your symptoms.

For each zone, ask your doctor what type—and what amount—of medicine you should take for your symptoms.

Green Zone: Feeling well

Your symptoms

What to do

Yellow Zone: Flare-up

Your symptoms

What to do

Red Zone: Get emergency care right away

Your symptoms

What to do

Contact information

Be sure your action plan includes this information.

Name of my doctor or clinic:

Phone number of my doctor or clinic:

Who to call in an emergency:

Emergency contact phone number:

When should you call for help?

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

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

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


Credits for COPD Action Plan

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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