RECOGNIZING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Recognizing changes in signs and symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an important part of managing your illness. Knowing when symptoms are changing is helpful so that treatment and other interventions can begin promptly. Early treatment is most effective. If severe symptoms are present, it is vital to begin the appropriate treatment immediately. Accurate and timely assessment of your symptoms can help you and your health care provider decide if treatment should begin in the home, at your health care provider's office or in the emergency room.

Early symptoms or warning signs are unique to each person. These warning signs may be the same, similar or entirely different with each episode. Usually you will be the best person to know if you are having difficulty breathing. However, some changes are more likely to be noticed by other persons, so it is important to share this information sheet with your family and those close to you.

A change or increase in the symptoms you usually experience may be the only early warning sign. You may notice one or more of the following:

an increase or decrease in the amount of sputum produced

an increase in the thickness or stickiness of sputum

a change in sputum color to yellow or green or the presence of blood in the sputum

an increase in the severity of shortness of breath, cough and/or wheezing

a general feeling of ill health

ankle swelling

forgetfulness, confusion, slurring of speech and sleepiness

difficulty sleeping

using more pillows or sleeping in a chair instead of a bed to avoid shortness of breath

an unexplained increase or decrease in weight

increased feeling of fatigue and lack of energy that continues

a lack of sexual drive

increasing morning headaches, dizzy spells, restlessness

Symptoms do not go away when they are ignored. Therefore, knowing when to call your health care provider is very important in managing your chronic lung disease. It is very important for you to work with your health care provider to determine the appropriate treatment for signs and symptoms of COPD.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
Call immediately if disorientation, confusion, slurring of speech or sleepiness occurs during an acute respiratory infection.

Call within 6-8 hours if shortness of breath or wheezing does not stop or decrease with inhaled bronchodilator treatments one hour apart.

Call within 24 hours if you notice one or more of the following severe respiratory symptoms:

change in color, thickness, odor or amount of sputum persists

ankle swelling lasts even after a night of sleeping with your feet up

you awaken short of breath more than once a night

fatigue lasts more than one day

Severe respiratory symptoms are a life-threatening emergency. Have an action plan for getting emergency care quickly in the event of severe symptoms. Inform family members and those who are close to you of this emergency action plan.

It is very important to work with your health care provider to determine the appropriate treatment steps for signs and symptoms of respiratory difficulty. These are guidelines and your specific treatment plan should be determined by you and your health care provider.

While there are many effective measures you can do at home to treat signs and symptoms, there are also actions that should be avoided. If you do any of the following, it can make your condition worse:

Do not take any extra doses of theophylline

Do not take codeine or any other cough suppressant

Do not use over-the-counter nasal sprays for more than 3 days

Do not increase the liter flow of prescribed oxygen

Do not smoke

Do not wait any longer than 24 hours to contact your doctor if symptoms continue