Effective Medication Management is Key to Positive COPD Patient Outcomes
The COPD Foundation recommends organizing medication, making lists, and seeking health care guidance after flare-ups.
MIAMI & NEW YORK, (Dec. 8, 2023) - Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience symptom flare-ups known as exacerbations, which cause breathing difficulties and potential hospitalization. Medication adjustments during these episodes can complicate treatment. To manage changing medication routines effectively, COPD patients are advised by experts to employ organizational strategies, such as maintaining medication lists, using calendars, and collaborating with a trusted primary care provider for a treatment plan.
Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C, the COPD Foundation's Assistant Director of Education, outlines the importance of structured approaches when managing medication routine changes following a COPD flare-up.
- Create a detailed medication list. Patients should compile a comprehensive list of medications, including dosages and specific instructions like amount and frequency.
- Use automated tools to manage treatment reminders. Online calendars and applications with electronic reminders can help patients structure and track medication schedules. The COPD Foundation provides a free mobile application that allows patients to log daily symptoms and set goals, sends medication reminders, hosts exercise and other self-care tutorial videos, and guides patients through visits with their health care provider.
- Seek guidance from health care providers regarding the correct use of new medications. The order in which medications are taken can be crucial to their effectiveness. Managing COPD well involves understanding the complexities of inhaler usage, adherence to schedules, and correct medication intake. Szymonik encourages patients to contact their treatment team for assistance with any medication changes or additions.
Read the full article at: Keeping It All Straight: How to Plan for Medication Changes
More than 30 million Americans live with COPD and symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough. Anyone can get COPD from genetics, tobacco exposure, environmental irritants like smoke and pollution, or early-life lung infections.
For more information about COPD management, visit copdfoundation.org. You can also download the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide mobile app for free.
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About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. The Foundation does this through scientific research, education, advocacy, and awareness to prevent disease, slow progression, and find a cure. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on X and LinkedIn.
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Jessica Burke
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