Severe or Worsening COPD

People with COPD may find that their symptoms can get worse as time goes on. It's important to recognize the signs that this is happening.1

  • Increased breathlessness
  • More frequent coughing
  • More mucus buildup
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness

Worsening symptoms can impact your quality of life, making it harder to enjoy your favorite activities. Recognizing these changes early can help prevent complications and may mean it's time to adjust your treatment plan or other aspects of your lifestyle.


John needs his rescue inhaler more than he used to when doing light activities. He's been feeling more short-of-breath.

Maria is noticing that climbing stairs or going for walks is becoming harder. She can't keep up with her grandkids.

Mel has a cough and more wheezing than before and is thinking about talking to her doctor to see if anything could make her feel more comfortable.

IS THIS YOU?

 

Medications and other treatments can help manage COPD symptoms. Accessing these treatments isn't always easy, but there are many resources available to support you. Explore the options below to find the care you need.

How to Talk to Your Health Care Teamplus

Article - Helpful Tips for Having Open Conversations

  • Improving communication with your health care provider is key to controlling COPD. This article has helpful tips on how to have open conversations with your care team. By speaking openly and making sure you understand your care plan, you can take a more active role in managing your COPD and improving your quality of life.

Podcast - Improving Communication with your Health Care Team

Listen to this special conversation on communication barriers and their effect on COPD. We're joined by two guests:

  • Tracy Fasolino is a nurse practitioner who shares insights on how good communication can improve outcomes for COPD patients.
  • Lisa Hall provides a personal perspective on living with and managing COPD.

Help Understanding Medicareplus

Learn about coverage options and how to overcome insurance-related obstacles in the videos below.

Webinar - COPD and Medicare Made Simple: Preparing for the Annual Enrollment Period

The COPD Foundation held a one-hour online event to help people with COPD understand insurance. Medicare expert Emily Whicheloe talked about these important topics:

  • An outline of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D.
  • Choosing a Part D plan for prescription drugs.
  • Making sure important COPD treatments are covered.

You can also learn about Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage options, and tips on lowering medication costs. Look into these resources to help you pick the best insurance for you. Open the notes page for the slides from the recorded webinar by clicking here.


Additional Resources

COPD Podcasts

The COPD Foundation Podcast is a health series focusing on helping you live well with lung conditions like COPD, Bronchiectasis, NTM, and Alpha-1. The podcast episodes aim to provide resources for people whose COPD symptoms are worsening to access the care they need.

COPD Digest Blogs

The COPD Digest is a free online magazine about COPD. Read the articles to learn how to improve the quality and accessibility of health care.


Supported by Sanofi and Regeneron.


References

  1. Miravitlles M, Ribera A. Understanding the impact of symptoms on the burden of COPD. Respir Res. 2017;18(1):67. Published 2017 Apr 21. doi:10.1186/s12931-017-0548-3
  2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2024 Report. [accessed 2024 Sep]. Available from: https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report/