Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD Patient Education

The Team - Patient Education

As your COPD is diagnosed, treated and managed, you may encounter the following doctors and specialists.

General Practitioner. This doctor is involved in the daily general care of the patient. General Practitioners are typically the first healthcare provider that the patient sees and will often provide a referral to a specialist as warranted.

Pulmonologist. Specialist physician that focuses on conditions of the respiratory tract and respiratory diseases (lung or breathing problems). Most patients with COPD will need to see this specialist. Besides treating the lungs, a pulmonologist will figure out the supplemental oxygen needs of patient, if necessary.

Thoracic Surgeon. Also known as cardiothoracic surgeons, this doctor focuses on the surgical diagnosis and treatment inside the chest (thorax). Thoracic surgeons get involved in diagnosing COPD when a bronchcoscopy is necessary. Thoracic surgeons are also consulted when a patient suffering from severe COPD may need more extensive lung surgery.

Respiratory Therapists. These specialists are not usually MD certified, but they can be included in the patient's care team. Respiratory therapists concentrate on treating breathing disorders such as COPD, asthma and bronchitis. They utilize mechanical ventilators and oxygen therapy to increase the lung function of the patient.

Psychiatrists/Psychologists. For the COPD patient, a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist in the smoking withdrawal symptoms or aid in smoking cessation as well as any ensuing depression. Having a team of doctors on your side will help assist greatly in diagnosing and effectively treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

How to Prepare

Having made your appointment with a healthcare provider, there are certain steps you need to take in order to maximize the benefit of your COPD doctor visit.

• Because most pulmonary screening tests require the individual to inhale and exhale deeply, do not eat a heavy meal prior to the COPD exam.
• Refrain from smoking for 4-6 hours prior to the test.
• Patients may be asked to pedal a machine or walk on a treadmill to test breathing.
• Wear comfortable shoes to your doctor visit.
• Let the physician know if you are pregnant in case any x-rays are ordered.

Questions to Ask

From your initial diagnosis throughout your treatment and care, you will have questions about your COPD. This patient education guide lists questions to discuss with your doctor so you can make informed decisions about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Questions About My Diagnosis

• What causes the COPD condition? Is it curable?
• Do I have emphysema?
• How do I know if I am going into respiratory failure?
• What is my prognosis?
• Does COPD affect my other vital organs?
• Is lung cancer a possibility?
• I hear that carbon monoxide is breathed in for the lung capacity test. Is that harmful?

Questions About My Treatment

• What medication will I be prescribed for my condition? What are the side effects of the drugs?
• Will I need to carry an oxygen tank?
• Will an inhaler and nebulizer help me?
• Do I need special treatments at night? Do I need special training for my treatments? Where will that be done?
• Would I be a candidate for a lung transplant?
• Will the treatments be at the hospital or at home?
• Is there a clinical trial that has newer treatments that I can participate in?

Questions About My Lifestyle and Family

• Is this hereditary? Are there special screening tests that my children should have?
• If I stop smoking, can the condition be reversed?
• Can you help me to stop smoking with medication or other methods?
• Would nicotine replacement therapy affect my condition?
• Can I go out with a portable oxygen tank? What precautions should I take?
• Can I sleep lying flat or do I need a special bed?
• Is there a special diet that would improve my condition or make it worse?
• Should I get the flu or pneumonia vaccines?
• Are there support groups that I can attend to discuss Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

What to Expect

At your first appointment, expect your physician to take your complete medical history and conduct a thorough examination. Several COPD tests and labs may also be ordered to make a proper diagnosis and monitor your ongoing condition. Below are the most common COPD tests and labs ordered, why you need them, and what they can tell you about your condition.

Common Treatments

While there is no known cure for COPD yet, treatment plans have been devised to slow the progression of the disease and help maintain a more active life by relieving symptoms.

Living Healthy

The most crucial treatment is smoking cessation for those patients that still smoke, as this is the single worst culprit of COPD. There are many smoking cessation programs and medications. Flare-ups of COPD symptoms are often associated with infections (viral and bacterial), as well as air pollutants. Any worsening of symptoms markedly increases a patient's risk of death. Thus, vaccinations are an important preventative measure. Patients with COPD should receive the following:

• Flu shot
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot

Not to be overlooked is the impact lifestyle changes can have. Patients with COPD may want to seek out professionals to help them with the following:

• Exercise plan
• Nutritional advice
• Psychological counseling
• COPD management training

These programs help the COPD patient adjust to their condition and enable them to improve the quality of life.

Medical Treatments

Many times, some sort of medical intervention will be needed to treat the COPD patient. Treatment is specific to each individual. Side effects and warnings must be taken into consideration.