One important part of managing your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is learning how to talk to your doctor and other healthcare professionals about how you feel, how to take your medicines and other medical treatments. Finding support and help from others who share your disease is another key part of coping with COPD. Here are some resources to help you best manage your COPD.
Each person's COPD is different and so is each management plan. We hope you will use the resources provided here to work with your doctor and other members of your care team to make a plan that is right for you.
Develop a Plan
This is a 3-in-1 personal tool that helps you talk with your doctor to make a plan that is best for you. With a plan, you will know how and when to take your medicines, when to call your healthcare provider and when to get emergency care. A management plan also helps you track how you are doing, any concerns you may have and any changes in your health that are important to discuss with your doctor.
COPD Medications
A variety of medicines are used to treat COPD and there is no "best" medicine for all people. Each person's COPD is different and your doctor and healthcare team will work with you to set up the best plan to address your symptoms and needs.
Steps to Better Breathing with COPD
Living with a chronic lung disease like COPD can make you feel like you are always trying to catch your breath. Practicing deep-breathing exercises, like "Belly Breathing" (or diaphragmatic breathing) can help. When you are experiencing shortness of breath, try using a "Pursed Lip" breathing technique to relax your airways and resume a normal breath.
Watch the demonstration videos to learn more about these breathing techniques:
Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: April 17, 2024
