Reducing COPD … What is your prognosis? It’s something you can research on your own through credible sources. That's why it's so important to find a doctor that you can trust and communicate with openly. COPD is a term for a group of respiratory illnesses that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and nonreversible asthma. That's why it's a good idea to think about your questions and concerns ahead of time, before you get to your doctor's appointment. As you go through treatment, it's important to understand the potential side effects of every medicine you take. Make sure you fully understand what you should do to help maintain your health and keep your COPD … Ask yourself them today to help you better determine if you should seek further testing. The truth is that what and how much you eat can have a noticeable effect on your COPD. If you've been diagnosed with COPD, you probably have a lot of questions for your doctor about the disease.What causes it? Your doctor can also give you some tips and tricks for practicing good hygiene and avoiding germs to reduce your chances of getting sick. However, every case of COPD is different, and how quickly your symptoms progress depends on many factors, including your current health, lifestyle, and medical history. He should give you a thorough briefing on the many respiratory irritants and environmental triggers you may encounter, as well as tips for how to avoid them. Ask a Question Reviewed by Barry J. Talk to your doctor about what you should do if you feel your COPD worsening, or you are having an exacerbation. Or chronic coughing? For example, if you smoke, quitting can reduce how quickly your lung function declines and allow you to live longer. Patients and healthcare professionals value honest, open communication when talking about COPD. Medical experts agree that quitting is the first-line treatment for COPD irrespective of whether you've smoked for 30 years or one. What is COPD? Can you explain the tests you are running? 1. Interstitial lung disease, (ILD), or COPD are umbrella diagnosis's; whereas Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension are specific. Although a true COPD diagnosis requires medical testing, research has discovered that there are five questions that are good indicators that this condition may be present. You should ask your doctor to be specific. While there is no cure for COPD, you can do many things to control your symptoms and make your life better. The general goal of COPD treatment is to keep your oxygen saturation level above 88%. He can also give you personalized advice for improving your diet, sleep, energy levels, and addressing any other problems related to your COPD. However, every person is different, and COPD affects different people in different ways. 2017;9(8):2684-91. doi:10.21037/jtd.2017.07.85, 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About COPD, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. Targeted therapy: questions to ask your doctor. Your doctor will measure the amount of oxygen in your blood by taking blood from an artery in your wrist and sending it to the lab for analysis or by using a device called a pulse oximeter. It is absolutely critical that you ask your doctor the right questions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) damages your lungs. Let’s Get Specific: Have No Fear of Asking Your COPD Questions: As we said above, some of you might not be accustomed to this philosophy of 2–way medical communication. 15 things you need to ask you doctor about your COPD . They may also develop high blood pressure, heart problems, lung cancer, depression, confusion and memory loss. It helps if you share as much information as you can about your lifestyle so your doctor can help you identify unhealthy habits and give you personalized advice. 6 Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a COPD Diagnosis Here’s what to ask about your diagnosis and care plan, according to top pulmonologists. This includes your as-needed inhalers, which you should take care not to use more often than your doctor recommends. They may also develop high blood pressure, heart problems, lung cancer, depression, confusion and memory loss. Early diagnosis leads to earlier COPD treatment and a better chance of survival. Life expectancy and years of life lost in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: findings from the NHANES III follow-up study. Duke Reeves. 1. Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers. This may seem like something you don’t even need to ask, but to be certain, I would. These specialists can help you develop a more detailed and personalized diet plan that takes your personal lifestyle and unique health needs into consideration. Current smokers with stage 3 or 4 COPD have a life expectancy of 8.5 years. Kidney stones - what to ask your doctor. When Difficulty Breathing or a Persistent Cough Is COPD, The GOLD Pocket Guide Helps Physicians Manage COPD. You can ask either your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate it for you, and you can ask them to evaluate your technique as well. To steer you toward the best course of action, we’ve consulted with top pulmonologists for the six most important questions to ask … Understanding the tests that will be run will help you to better prepare for them. (And do you still smoke tobacco?). Having a lung transplant may improve your quality of life and allow you to perform more activities, but it has not been shown to increase 10-year survival rates in people with COPD. COPD is a chronic disease that slowly gets worse over time. Stage 1 COPD is the most mild, while stage 4 COPD is the last, most serious stage of the disease. In order to get the best treatment possible, you need to keep track of all your questions, articulate your concerns, and remember to bring them up with your doctor when you have the chance. COPD affects a wide range of organs and functions in your body, and it can lead to a variety of other health complications. How severe your COPD is depends on how badly your lungs are damaged and how serious your symptoms are. There are three types of lung surgery your doctor may discuss with you once your symptoms are severe enough and you've reached the most advanced stages of the disease: bullectomy, lung volume reduction surgery, and lung transplant. You need to feel free to ask questions, but once you’ve been diagnosed with something like COPD, you might find it hard to concentrate on what you need to do next. COPD symptoms like poor lung function and inflammation put incredible strain on the heart, frequently leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and sometimes even heart attacks. What Is the Risk of Lung Cancer After Quitting Smoking? When did your breathing symptoms first start? A person with COPD may experience shortness of breath (especially climbing stairs), wheezing, a chronic cough that produces yellow sputum, chest tightness and frequent respiratory infections. COPD can be scary to live with, but it's easier to cope when you have a solid understanding of your condition, your treatments, and how to maintain your health. Don’t be shy, ask! He can also give you advice for reducing indoor air pollution so you can breath fresher air and manage your symptoms better at home. Ask your doctor about what kinds of medications, support groups, and other quit-smoking programs are available for you to try. Cholesterol - what to ask your doctor . Obtain medical consultation if the condition is poorly controlled (as manifested by If you are interested, your doctor can also connect you to resources in your local area or refer you to a quit-smoking therapist. The answers to these questions can help you better understand your disease, how to keep yourself healthy, and how to take a more active role in your COPD treatment. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) damages your lungs. Seven questions to ask your patients about asthma. Read our, Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD, Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our. While there is no cure for COPD, there are effective treatments that can help you live your healthiest life possible, should you receive a diagnosis. Many patients don’t know enough about management of asthma, warns Rita Cydulka, MD, residency director for the department of emergency medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. If you don’t know what to ask, we’ve made a list of questions to help you start a conversation. Your doctor can tell you what kinds of exercises are safe and help you find activities that are appropriate for your level of fitness. My dad was dx with COPD/Emphysema 5 years ago. However, quitting smoking is no trivial task; it is extremely difficult, and most people try quitting many times before they are successful. Still, discussing your medical history, occupational history, and any other possible causes with your doctor may help you better understand your disease. Ideally, your doctor should thoroughly explain the results to you in a way that you can understand them. It’s hard to know where to start and what questions to ask. If your doctor suspects COPD, they may ask the patient to do a spirometry test. Never smokers with no lung disease have a life expectancy of 17.8 additional years. Have you ever been diagnosed with asthma? How can I have COPD if I've never smoked? It’s important to know how to use your inhaler correctly so that your medications work as they should. If you have very severe symptoms, limited mobility, or just need some extra help getting started, your doctor can also refer you to another specialist that can help. In order to work at their optimum level, your lungs need lots of nutrients for fuel. COPD Guidelines Questions to Ask / Necessary Information • Does patient position affect breathing? Working with your healthcare team and asking the right questions can help you better understand how COPD affects you and learn how to manage your symptoms. According to British Lung Foundation, here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse: How do I use my inhaler? Even if your doctor has explained something already, don't be afraid to ask him to go over it again or provide you with some helpful context. This life-altering respiratory disease can carry complications and many different symptoms – so here are some of the most frequently asked questions about COPD. A person with COPD may experience shortness of breath (especially climbing stairs), wheezing, a chronic cough that produces yellow sputum, chest tightness and frequent respiratory infections. Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on January 23, 2019. Patients typically have symptoms of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but the classic triad also includes asthma (see the image below). While it may be difficult at first, getting enough physical activity improves your overall health and may even improve your ability to breathe over time. That's why you should ask your doctor to help you put together an exercise plan that is feasible and suitable for you. He can also tell you what kinds of foods support healthy lungs and warn you against foods that may make it even more difficult to breathe. Radiation therapy - questions to ask your doctor. Hello. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is estimated to affect 32 million persons in the United States and is the third leading cause of death in this country. Exacerbations are common in people with COPD, especially in the more advanced stages of the disease. Before using your oxygen equipment, ask your doctor as many questions as you can think of to make sure you thoroughly understand how to use oxygen therapy safely and correctly. If you, like many other COPD patients, suffer from any diet-related complications, your doctor can help you resolve those issues as well. 2011;6:259-67. doi:10.2147/COPD.S10771, Branson RD. The patient has a chronic productive cough with dyspnea on excretion. 3. Studies suggest that only smoking cessation, oxygen therapy (used for 15 hours or more a day) and pulmonary rehabilitation can slow COPD's progression. You need to feel free to ask questions, but once you’ve been diagnosed with something like COPD, you might find it hard to concentrate on what you need to do next. That's why you should never be afraid to ask your doctor for more details and information about any of your medical test results. Although smoking is by far the most common cause of COPD, many other things can cause the disease. Angina - what to ask your doctor . 2016;31(8):785-92. doi:10.1007/s10654-016-0132-z. Click Here for COVID-19 Information for the COPD Community: Updated December 22nd! If your doctor suspects COPD, they may ask the patient to do a spirometry test. Contrary to popular belief, smoking is not the only cause of COPD. Unfortunately, many COPD patients don't get enough nutrients—or don't get enough of the right kinds of nutrients—to keep their lungs and bodies strong. Being aware of risk factors for the disease can help with earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment since patients who know the risk factors may question their own COPD symptoms before they're diagnosed. Other health conditions that affect the lungs, like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and AAT deficiency, can also cause COPD later in life. What causes it? Some people with COPD have just one of these conditions, while others have a … You’ve been diagnosed with COPD. A COPD trigger is anything that irritates your lungs and makes your respiratory symptoms worse. In order to do this, you need to work closely with your doctor to monitor and manage your symptoms. If your blood oxygen concentration begins to frequently drop below about ninety percent, your doctor may decide it's time for you to start using supplemental oxygen. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. Your doctor is a great resource for learning what a proper diet looks like and how to maintain a healthy weight. 1. If there is anything you don't quite understand, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for more examples and details. Immunotherapy: questions to ask your doctor. Thabane M. Smoking cessation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): an evidence-based analysis. A COPD diagnosis can leave you overwhelmed, but asking the right questions can help. Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Severe COPD. COPD medications must be taken correctly, as directed by your doctor. For example, doctors often prescribe oral corticosteroid medications to help COPD patients recover from exacerbations. That way, he can explain how oxygen therapy works and how he will determine if and when you need to use supplemental oxygen. The list may seem endless. These may include age, genetics, and occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and toxic chemicals. 1. Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on January 23, 2019. Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your lungs. That's why, if you are a current smoker with COPD, you may need to seek outside help. Have you ever smoked tobacco? Talking to your doctor ahead of time can help you feel more prepared if the time to begin oxygen therapy eventually comes. Take this document with you to your next appointment to remember important questions and to jot down notes! Here are some examples of questions you can ask your doctor to better understand test results: Once you've been diagnosed with COPD, your doctor will prescribe you a variety of medications that will help you keep your symptoms under control. Your doctor may even be able to prescribe you a quit-smoking medication like Chantix or Zyban. Am I taking my medications correctly? Here are some questions that are important to ask your doctor after being diagnosed with COPD and about oxygen therapy. 1. Your doctor is there to help you address all aspects of your health and wellness, not just diagnose you and prescribe medication. The questionnaire is only the first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and is not meant to replace specific medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. There are three values measured in spirometry that are critically important to making a COPD diagnosis: your forced vital capacity (FVC), your forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the ratio of your FEV1 to your FVC (FEV1/FVC). This is a quiz that contains NCLEX review questions about COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Make, MD , Irina Petrache, MD (September 01, 2016) At one time or another, people with COPD think about various tough questions that can be hard to discuss with anyone. What’s my Diagnosis? COPD medications must be taken correctly, as directed by your doctor. He has never wanted me to go to any doctors appointments with him...until now. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3306744, 'b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa', {}); However, it can be easy to get distracted or forget any questions you have once you're actually in the office with your doctor. All of the medications prescribed for COPD have the potential to cause side effects. This can be a confusing — and even overwhelming — time. Ask your doctor about programs and medicines that may make it … 2. When you make the decision to quit, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor and check out some of the many helpful quit-smoking resources that are available online. It also means helping you find ways to adjust your lifestyle and structure your habits around your physical limits and the constraints of your disease. Working with your healthcare team and asking the right questions can help you better understand how COPD affects you and learn how to manage your symptoms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatments (Beyond the Basics)," Whether you've been recently diagnosed with COPD or have been living with the condition for years, you are bound to have lots of questions. Terzikhan N, Verhamme KM, Hofman A, Stricker BH, Brusselle GG, Lahousse L. Prevalence and incidence of COPD in smokers and non-smokers: the Rotterdam study. Here are some things your doctor might want to know when discussing the cause of your COPD: If you have COPD, you will go through many different types of tests both before and after your diagnosis to help your doctor monitor and treat your disease. COPD can take a major toll on your quality of life, especially in the more advanced stages. 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