Page 2 - COPD

When Should I Call my Doctor?
COPD is a chronic condition but can have worsening or
exacerbation of baseline symptoms. A COPD exacerbation
is usually characterized by a variation from normal day to
day symptoms like: increased breathlessness, increased
cough and sputum production, a change in color of sputum,
chest tightness, wheezing and possibly fever and/or fatigue.
A COPD exacerbation is usually caused by a lung infection
like pneumonia or bronchitis but can also be caused by air
pollution and poor air quality. This can be a medical emer-
gency if your regular medicine regime is not working to help
reduce exacerbation symptoms.
Prevention of COPD and COPD
Exacerbation
The best way to prevent COPD is to not smoke cigarettes,
cigars or pipes and to not be exposed to second hand
smoke if at all possible. If your work environment exposes
you to air pollutants, equipment such as a mask or adequate
ventilation can help avoid developing COPD.
Prevention of a COPD exacerbation is multifactorial and
includes: getting a pneumonia and flu vaccine as prescribed
by your doctor, good practice of hand washing, balanced
diet and exercise, avoiding crowds, and avoiding environ-
mental stimulants like extreme temperatures, cigarette
smoke and air pollution.