COPD - 2 - Condition & Symptoms

Condition & Symptoms - Level 2

Goal: Find out if any of the language around COPD is unfamiliar to the individual

Possible Action Steps

Discuss what causes COPD (primarily smoking or exposure to smoke)
Help individual understand how the lungs work and how COPD results from damage to the lungs
Share the signs and symptoms of COPD; identify which symptoms the individual has
Review with individual key COPD terms and words

Supporting Resources

Goal: Assist the individual in learning to monitor symptoms and to understand what triggers these symptoms

Possible Action Steps

Have individual self-monitor when symptoms occur and note whether adjustments in self-care result in a reduction in symptoms
Review individual’s exacerbation triggers and targets
If peak flow is being measured, review individual’s peak flow threshold and target

Supporting Resources

Goal: Help the individual learn basics about symptom-relief and put in place an adjustment(s) to test out to reduce or eliminate symptom triggers

Possible Action Steps

Review the individual’s symptom log, noting when symptoms were better and worse, identifying in what activities the individual was engaged
Discuss the importance of reducing environmental "triggers"
Discuss how to create a dust free environment in the home
Teach the individual proper breathing techniques
Convey the importance of smoking cessation to successful management of COPD (see Smoking Cessation module)
Jointly create a list of symptoms and trial solutions
Have individual self-monitor when symptoms occur and note whether adjustments in self-care result in a reduction in symptoms

Supporting Resources

Goal: Discuss the role and benefits of using a peak flow meter

Possible Action Steps

Discuss how to properly use a peak flow meter
Encourage individual to take a small step to monitor peak flow using a peak flow chart or other tracking form

Supporting Resources

Goal: If applicable, discuss with the individual their use of oxygen. Do they understand the benefits and appropriate use of oxygen therapy?

Possible Action Steps

Discuss how oxygen is being used. Does it help? If not, discuss ways to realize greater benefit
Do they understand the pre-cautions to observe when using oxygen (stay away from flames, no smoking!, don’t change settings, stay away from aerosol cans when using (e.g. hair spray), etc.)
Discuss myths and truths of oxygen therapy

Supporting Resources