It’s important to look after your health and wellbeing. Your healthcare team will support you to live well.
This COPD self-care plan will help you manage your COPD, especially if you have a flare-up of your symptoms.
You can reduce the chance of a flare-up by taking your medicines as prescribed.
COPD self-management advice
How you manage your COPD often depends on how you're feeling and how your symptoms are affecting you.
If you're having a good day
On a good day you can carry out your usual activities. You do not have too much phlegm, and it is a normal colour.
Some things you can do while feeling well include:
- keeping active
- continuing your day as normal
- taking your medicines as prescribed
If you're having a bad day
On a bad day your COPD may be bothering you. For example, you may be more short of breath than usual.
If your symptoms are affecting your daily routine:
- use techniques to clear phlegm
- take your reliever inhaler
- use breathing control exercises
If you're feeling unwell
Some days your symptoms may bother you more than others.
For example, you may be more wheezy or short of breath. You may have more phlegm. Your phlegm may be yellow or green.
When you are not feeling well:
- take your normal medicines and inhalers
- take your reliever medicine every 4 to 6 hours
- start your rescue antibiotics and steroids if your doctor has prescribed them
- contact your GP or COPD Outreach service for advice
If you're feeling very unwell
Urgent advice: Contact your GP or GP out of hours or go to your emergency department (ED) if:
- you feel very unwell
- your reliever inhaler and rescue prescription are not helping
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance if:
- you are short of breath at rest
- you have chest pain or confusion
This is an emergency.
Techniques to manage your condition (video)
Communication card and self-management plan
You can use a communication card and self-management plan to help manage your COPD.
Download a:
Your GP, COPD specialist, nurse or physiotherapist can explain the card and plan with you. It may help to discuss the plan with your family or carer.
