Help a Loved One With COPD
Help from a caregiver can be essential for someone with COPD. People with advanced COPD may need help with daily tasks such as fixing food, getting dressed, running errands, and performing household chores. They may also need help managing medications and healthcare provider visits. Family and friends can help to care for the patient with COPD on a day-to-day basis – greatly improving his or her quality of life. Here are some ideas to help you:
- Keep a daily log of the patient’s breathing problems, medications, diet, activities, and symptoms to discuss with the healthcare provider.
- Learn more about COPD, symptoms of COPD, and COPD exacerbations so you know when it is appropriate to call the healthcare provider.
- Keep all phone numbers of medical personnel nearby.
- Be prepared to provide detailed information during phone calls.
- Write down all medical instructions so that the person with COPD can easily follow them.
- Make sure the patient takes medicines as prescribed, even if he or she feels better. Some medicines, like ADVAIR, should be taken twice a day, every day, as directed by the person with COPD’s physician, to get the most benefit.
- Suggest keeping medicines in a convenient place and taking them at the same time each day.
- Lend support by making sure the person with COPD can get to his or her appointments.
- COPD can increase the risk for flu and lung infection. It's a good idea for a person with COPD to avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections. Also, he or she should ask the doctor about getting a flu shot each year.
- Follow healthy habits of your own. Your well-being is just as important!
Important Safety Information About ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50
ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is approved for adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. You should only take 1 inhalation of ADVAIR twice a day. Higher doses will not provide additional benefits. People with COPD taking ADVAIR may have a higher chance of pneumonia. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms: change in amount or color of sputum, fever, chills, increased cough, or increased breathing problems. ADVAIR may increase your risk of osteoporosis and some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma). You should have regular eye exams. Thrush in the mouth and throat may occur. Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure before taking ADVAIR. Do not use ADVAIR with long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason. ADVAIR does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms.