Have you ever had a day when you were coughing more than usual? Or you just had less energy? These can signal a COPD flare-up. By recognizing signs of trouble, you can prevent serious problems. A COPD action plan can help—it tells you exactly what to do when your symptoms act up.
What's an action plan?
An action plan is a written document created by you and your doctor. It lists the symptoms you may have and tells you what to do. This action plan from the American Lung Association (ALA) addresses three "zones":
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Green Zone |
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Continue to take your medicines and engage in activities your doctor has approved, like regular exercise |
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Yellow Zone |
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Use quick-relief medicines and take other steps so your symptoms don't get any worse |
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Red Zone |
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Call 911 or have someone take you to the hospital emergency room |
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Dr. Katina Nicolackis, pulmonologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains the importance of quitting smoking, medications and oxygen in managing COPD.
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Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
You can get an action plan form by going to the ALA website. Click on "Lung Disease," then "COPD," then "COPD Management Tools," then "My COPD Action/Management Plan." Why not ask your doctor to fill it out with you at your next visit? Having a written plan will give you the green light for peace of mind.
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