Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
The COPD Clinic at CHRISTUS Health helps patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Our multidisciplinary team provides personalized outpatient care, education and ongoing support to help patients manage symptoms and reduce the risk of hospitalization.
COPD Clinic Services
COPD care is tailored to each patient's individual needs. Services may include:
- Education about COPD medications and how they work
- Education and support for patients, family members and caregivers
- Follow-up from clinic staff to support patients after hospitalization
- Individualized medication reviews with the patient's care team
- Education about managing COPD and recognizing changes in symptoms
What Is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that limits airflow and can make breathing difficult. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, mucus production and wheezing. COPD is often associated with long-term exposure to substances that irritate and damage the lungs, including cigarette smoke.
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are common conditions associated with COPD. Some people may have features of both conditions, and symptoms can vary from person to person.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. It can cause an ongoing cough and increased mucus production.
Emphysema
Emphysema damages the air sacs, called alveoli, in the lungs. This damage makes it more difficult for the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide and can contribute to shortness of breath.
COPD is a progressive condition, but treatment and ongoing management can help control symptoms and support quality of life. Your care team can develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, health and individual needs.
Understanding Your COPD Action Plan
A COPD action plan can help you recognize changes in your symptoms and understand when you may need additional medical care. Work with your health care provider to develop an individualized action plan and discuss what you should do when your symptoms change.
Green Zone: Doing Well
The green zone represents your usual COPD symptoms. You may have:
- Your usual activity and exercise level
- Your usual amount of coughing and mucus
- No significant increase in shortness of breath
Continue following the COPD management plan provided by your health care team.
Yellow Zone: Symptoms Are Getting Worse
The yellow zone can indicate a COPD flare or a change in your usual symptoms. Signs may include:
- More shortness of breath than usual
- Less energy for daily activities
- Increased or thicker mucus
- Using a quick-relief inhaler or nebulizer more often
- More coughing than usual
- Feeling like you have a chest cold
- Difficulty sleeping because of your symptoms
Follow your individualized COPD action plan and contact your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve as directed.
Red Zone: Get Medical Care Immediately
The red zone means you may be experiencing severe COPD symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Warning signs may include:
- Severe shortness of breath, including shortness of breath at rest
- Being unable to do activities because of difficulty breathing
- Being unable to sleep because of difficulty breathing
- Fever or shaking chills
- Feeling confused or very drowsy
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
Call 911 or seek immediate medical care if you have severe COPD symptoms or are experiencing a medical emergency.