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9 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What does having a "flare-up" of my COPD mean?
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A "flare-up" means:
-I am more short of breath -I am coughing more -I bring up more mucus or it is yellow/green -I am more tired, weaker -My fingernails are bluish -I have new or more swelling in my feet What should I do? -CALL your doctor or home care nurse for instructions |
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I am still smoking because....
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I enjoy it
It relaxes me I'll get fat if I quit I....... BUT: smoking irritates my breathing tubes and will cause more "flare-ups" make my symptoms worse and prevent my medications from working well. Smoking irritates my breathing passages |
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How do I manage my medications?
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I have a schedule and a plan for when to take my regular medications and inhalers.
I always carry my "rescue" inhalers with me. I give all of my different doctors a complete list of everything I am using in case they don't mix well. |
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Using my inhalers safely
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I can demonstrate the way to use my inhaler correctly.
I keep my inhaler clean and away from dirt or other things that may give me an infection I always wash my hands before and after using my inhalers. |
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Using Oxygen at home-
If I can't breathe, nothing else matters! |
Why should I use it?
-It lowers the stress on my heart and I will be less tired, less short of breath -Its not addictive and helps me get out, not keeps me at home What are the risks? -No smoking or open flame in the same room -Don't trip on the tubing! |
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I manage my COPD
It doesn't manage me! (Controlling my symptoms) |
If I am short of breath, I use breathing techniques to breath easier.
I use my rescue inhalers if the breathing techniques don't work. I pace my activities and do not rush. I learned ways to do things using less energy and needing less air. I can control my coughing to avoid losing my breath and avoiding choking. |
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How do I stay strong and independent?
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In good weather, I try to walk outside on a flat surface for 20-30 minutes every day.
If it is too hot, humid, raining, too cold (below 30') or snowing, I walk in an indoor setting. I try to get up and walk around my house during every TV commercial! I use equipment to help me do things on my own (tub bench, hand held shower, cane, reachers, etc) |
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How does what I eat affect my breathing?
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I burn up more calories doing my daily activities so I need to always eat enough proteins and fruits/vegetables.
My breathing makes it harder to eat large meals so I eat small frequent meals/snacks over the course of the day. I weigh myself daily to be sure that my weight stays where my doctor and I want it to be. |
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Taking care of me!
(Prevention works!) |
I get a Flu shot every year!
I wash my hands very frequently, especially with toileting, using my inhalers and eating. I stay away from anyone with a cold or other infection. I avoid crowds during Flu season. I stay indoors if there is a smog or pollen alert. |
