9 Questions to Consider Asking Your Doctor After Being Diagnosed with COPD

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with COPD? It’s a condition that affects nearly 16 million United States adults. And many more may have it without realizing it. A diagnosis can bring about a lot of questions. Here are some things to consider discussing with your doctor at your next appointment to help you feel more in control of your health and your future.

1. What exactly is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition that is caused from inflammation to the lungs. This leads to swelling and irritation that limits airflow to the lungs, otherwise known as an obstruction. As a result, it can lead to shortness of breath and trouble breathing. Additional symptoms can include a daily cough that may bring up mucus, tightening in the chest, wheezing and unusual tiredness.

2. What stage is my COPD and what does that mean?

COPD is classified as being in four different stages.

In stage 1, COPD is in its early stages. In fact, at this point, you may not recognize that you even have it, as you might not have noticeable symptoms. If you do feel symptoms, they may present as a cough and increased mucus production, which can be mistaken for the flu.

Stage 2 is considered to be moderate COPD. This stage brings worsening symptoms, like more severe coughing and mucus buildup and shortness of breath that occurs with movement or exercise.

Stage 3 is severe COPD. This includes more frequent flare-ups and worsening shortness of breath and coughing, and you may feel more easily fatigued. Other symptoms could include difficulty taking deep breaths, chest tightness, ankle swelling, frequent colds or sickness or wheezing.

And Stage 4 of COPD is considered to be very severe. In this stage, blood oxygen levels will be low, and you are at risk of developing complications such as heart or lung failure. People at this stage may have trouble breathing even while they are sitting still and not exerting themselves.

3. What treatments are available for me?

The treatment for COPD varies by an individual's disease stage and symptoms. Treatment in earlier stages could include medication to open up the airways in the lungs. This is typically administered by an inhaler or nebulizer (a device that turns liquid medication into a breathable mist). Earlier treatment could also include pulmonary rehabilitation, a treatment program aimed at helping you to manage your condition or steroids during flair-ups. In more severe stages, patients may need oxygen or surgical interventions such as a lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplant.

4. How can I prevent my COPD from getting worse?

There are some lifestyle modifications that your doctor may prescribe that can help keep COPD from progressing as fast. These include:

Stopping smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
Avoiding exposure to pollutants such as dust, chemicals and air pollution
Maintaining a healthy diet
Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
Following your doctor’s treatment plan
Doing any breathing exercises your doctor recommends
Avoiding contact with those who are under the weather
Considering vaccinations for conditions such as pneumonia and the flu

5. How might COPD affect other aspects of my health?

Having COPD can put you at risk of developing other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, osteoporosis, metabolic disorder, anxiety and depression, gastrointestinal diseases, skeletal muscle dysfunction and other respiratory conditions.

6. What caused my COPD?

The most common cause of COPD is inhaling pollutants such as tobacco smoke or secondhand smoke. In fact, COPD is most common in people 40 and up who have a history of smoking. Chemical, fumes and dust exposure at work can also be contributing factors. And some people are more genetically inclined to contract the disease.

7. How can I reduce my exposure to pollutants?

Stopping smoking and reducing your exposure to pollutants can help to slow down the progression of COPD. This can also reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease and can help with symptoms like shortness of breath. To reduce environmental exposure, experts recommend using roll-on deodorants instead of sprays, not using plug-in air fresheners, using more natural cleaning products, avoiding shaking out rugs and dusting (outsource this to someone else or wear a mask if you have to), keep your fireplace turned off, control your home’s humidity and seal water leaks in the basement.

8. How often should I come in for check-ups?

Depending on your stage and your symptoms, your doctor will have different answers for this. Make a point of asking them how often you should come in and consider scheduling your follow-ups while checking out during your latest appointment, so you don’t forget to schedule them.

9. What should I do if I feel a flare-up coming on?

Ask your doctor to help you put together an action plan on what to do if your symptoms start to feel too strong to navigate. Should you give the office a call? Try some breathing exercises? Head to your local emergency room? Having a plan in place can help you feel better in the event that you have a day where you’re feeling extra bad or symptoms start to feel extreme.

Bring a list of these questions you want to ask your doctor with you to your next appointment. And don’t be afraid to take notes and consider bringing a loved one along with you to help repeat or clarify information down the line.

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