Let’s talk COPD

We have created three sections to help you take control of your COPD so that you can continue with everyday life.

In the What is COPD section, you’ll find information on what is COPD and what factors may have lead to you getting COPD.

For the living with COPD section, you’ll find hints and tips on how best to manage your COPD through the use of materials you may receive from your GP such as a self-management plan. Along with information on what may trigger your COPD and tools to help you reduce the effect this could have on your everyday life.

The if things get worse section contains information on how to recognise worsening COPD and a step by step guide on what do in an emergency.

What is COPD?

Find information on what is COPD and how you may have got COPD.

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How do you get COPD?

COPD is caused by long–term exposure of the lungs to something harmful to them and is the result of permanent damage.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Chronic– means it’s long term. Obstructive–refers to the narrowing in your airways – it obstructs the passage of air and makes it difficult to breathe. Pulmonary disease– means it affects your lungs ...

Living with COPD

Find hints and tips on how best to manage your COPD through the use of materials you may receive from your GP such as a self-management plan. Along with information on what may trigger your COPD and tools to help you reduce the effect this could have on your everyday life.

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Common side effects of some COPD medicines

The leaflet that comes with your prescription will have more specific information than is given here and a full list of possible side effects so it’s important to read it before you start taking your medication.

What are triggers?

Triggers are things that make your COPD worse – they ‘trigger’ symptoms. Knowing what makes your COPD worse can help you keep it under control.

Ways to help yourself

Smoking causes irreversible damage, so if you continue to smoke it will continue to damage your lungs, and your COPD will get worse.

If things get worse

Find information on how to recognise worsening COPD and a step by step guide on what do in an emergency

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What to do in an emergency

Signs of an emergency; you’re extremely short of breath, your reliever medication isn’t helping, you’ve got chest pain, you’ve got a high fever, you’re panicking or getting tired because of your breathlessness

Recognising worsening COPD

Knowing your symptoms and recognising when they’re getting worse is an important part of COPD management. It means you can take steps to control your symptoms and reduce the severity of an exacerbation (flare-up) before one happens.