What is the important role you have in managing your COPD?

You are an important part of the team that manages your COPD. You can take an active role by:

  • Being actively involved in decision making.
  • Developing and following a management plan. This includes a written COPD Action Plan which is agreed between you and your health care team to help recognise when you are getting sick and what you can do about it. Your COPD Action Plan includes your medicines as well as other important activities such as diet and exercise. A Lung Foundation COPD Action Plan is provided here for your reference but COPD Action Plans may vary depending on where you receive your care.
  • Knowing as much as you can about COPD. This includes your diagnosis and problems associated with your diagnosis.
  • Monitoring your symptoms. Then taking action to reduce the impact of these symptoms.
  • Managing the impact of COPD.  This includes your physical, emotional and social life.
  • Adopting lifestyle behaviours that promote health. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, having alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking if you are a smoker.
  • Using support services that are made available to you.