A patient’s and caregiver’s guide to

Coping with the impact of COPD

This document is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information in this document for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a healthcare provider in all matters relating to your health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Any action on your part in response to the information in this document is at your discretion.

Taking a daily approach to COPD—not always easy, but worth itThere are things you can do every day to help manage COPD. These include lifestyle changes. They are not always easy to make. It is important to keep in mind why the changes are needed. They may help you breathe better and get back to your daily life. Some lifestyle changes include:

Living as healthy and active a lifestyle as possible. This includes eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, getting enough sleep, and getting flu and pneumonia vaccinations as directed by a healthcare provider

Avoiding COPD triggers. These may include smoke, air pollution, allergens, strong odors and fumes, and extreme weather

Learning about COPD and its treatment; being familiar with the symptoms of a flare-up, and having a plan for what to do

Assigning chores and other duties to friends and family as needed to reduce stress

Finding time to have fun each day by enjoying a hobby or leisure activity

Asking support from family and friends; possibly joining a support group where there are others also living with COPD and facing similar challenges

Having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the way a person lives and also impacts the lives of loved ones. While COPD never goes away, there are ways to cope with it. Helping patients breathe better is the first step. In doing so, patients can then begin to focus on getting back to their daily routine. Together, patients, loved ones, and caregivers can make it easier to live with COPD.

Everyday maintenance treatment makes a difference. Medicines that treat COPD help relieve symptoms. Some COPD medicines are taken every day at the same time. They are called everyday maintenance medicines. They help open up the airways and improve breathing. They must be taken regularly as directed by a healthcare provider to help keep patients breathing better.

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The emotional impact of COPDA wide range of emotions and concerns can occur when living with COPD. These include fear, anxiety, anger, depression, worry, and hopelessness. They are all normal feelings. When these feelings continue over time, though, they may have a negative impact on your COPD symptoms and daily functioning.

The right state of mind truly matters when it comes to managing COPD There are ways to deal with negative feelings and changing moods. Some things you can do without the help of a healthcare provider. They include:

Taking an active role in your COPD care

Making positive changes in daily living, which may help increase positive feelings

Focusing on what can be done, which may help reduce negative feelings

Thinking positive—what you think and what you tell yourself affects how you feel

Getting support—from loved ones and/or a support group

Learning about COPD, which may help you understand how to feel better

Coping With COPD

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By working together, talking together, and understanding each other, you may be better able to manage your COPD.

Talking together to manage COPD Talking together is a vital part of COPD care. Being open and honest can be hard. But it is the best way to deal with questions, concerns, and feelings.

Talking with your healthcare providerYour healthcare provider is there to help. He or she will work with you to develop a plan to help manage COPD. Sharing important information may impact treatment and improve care. Make a list of topics to discuss with your healthcare provider. Keep a daily diary of symptoms and changes in health, and review this information at each office visit. Discuss the daily treatment plan until you are comfortable with it.

Patients, loved ones, and caregivers talking togetherPatients and their loved ones, especially those providing care, should talk openly and often. It is important that everyone express their feelings and concerns. Try to understand each other’s feelings. Patients should empathize with how COPD is affecting their loved ones. Likewise, loved ones should try to provide emotional support to patients. Normal home life may change, and everyone may need time to adjust. ©2011 Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. All rights reserved. 06/11 SEP040-10-R1

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If you are worried about your COPD, you may want to talk with your healthcare provider.