My COPD Action Plan Name Date of plan

My symptoms My plan

My ‘normal’ is Medication/s for COPD Medication/s for COPD Oxygen prescription Reliever inhaler:
Normal for me

• I have a usual amount of cough/phlegm

• I can do my usual activities. I need to use home oxygen on

Puffs every AM: Puffs every PM: Puffs every AM: Puffs every PM: setting or L/min for Puffs when I
hours/day need it to relieve
my symptoms

My symptoms My plan

My symptoms are worsening if I am: If I get more out of breath If I get more out of breath If I get more phlegm and/or My flare ups
• Coughing more than usual despite taking my reliever change in colour (dark yellow,
medications green or brown) Date Date
• More breathless prednisolone antibiotics
I will use my reliever I will start my rescue pack – I will start my rescue pack - started started
• Needing my reliever medication
I’m unwell

inhaler more. prednisolone. antibiotics.

more often Medication: Medication: Medication: days or
• More tired / lethargic weeks
• Having difficulty with usual activities. times per day times per day
Take puffs every
mg For days
hours.
Daily for days

If I have had to use my plan twice, it’s time to organise an appointment with my doctor or nurse for a review.
My symptoms My plan
Very unwell

I am becoming more unwell if: • Speak to my doctor today as

• I am getting worse despite the extra I am no better. If no urgent GP appointments are available, present
medications (including increased reliever, to your local hospital emergency department.
prednisolone and/or antibiotics).

My symptoms My plan
Plan prepared by
For more information
I’m extremely unwell if: • Dial 000 for an ambulance Doctor / Nurse Practitioner (circle) about managing
• I am experiencing sudden shortness or press my medical alarm
Name: exacerbations, visit
Emergency

of breath button
the dedicated clinical
• I am not responding to my reliever • Continue to use my Clinic phone:
path resource.
• I am feeling scared reliever as needed until the Next review date:
• I am unusually confused or drowsy ambulance arrives
Reminder created
• I am having chest pain. • Try my breathing control
techniques. Signature: Please turn page over
Managing breathlessness Self-management
Self-managing your condition helps to give you control. To learn more
When feeling breathless After 2-3 minutes evaluate your about these tools and how they can assist you in self-managing your
breathlessness condition, visit the Lung Foundation Australia website.
1
Stop what you Self-management tool
STOP Are you feeling less breathless and more
are doing
in control?
Inhaler techniques
2
Yes: Continue with your activity Correct inhaler technique helps you get the most benefit from your
Find a resting position OR inhaled medications. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to check
your technique.
No: Take your prescribed reliever inhaler
3 medication through a spacer, then resume Relaxed breathing and control
Use your fan
or the breeze breathing technique for another 2-3 minutes Bending over or leaning forward while resting your arms on a stable
surface can assist with getting control of your breathing.
If you remain breathless, refer
4 Choose your preferred Chest clearance
breathing technique, & to your written Action Plan on
Airway clearance techniques are breathing exercises that can help you
continue for 2-3 minutes the front (turn over). cough up phlegm. Ask a physiotherapist skilled in airway clearance
techniques for instructions on how to start.

Hand-held fans
Common activities that can cause breathlessness when you live with COPD A cool draft of air from a hand-held fan can help you feel less
breathless and more in control.
Breathlessness is a common symptom in COPD. It can often seem to come on
for no apparent reason or with very little exertion. This can cause people to feel COPD medications chart
frightened, out of control and anxious. It is important you understand your medicines, their role, how they work,
and when and how to take them.
Preparing Hanging out Bending
and eating down to tie
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)
washing PR is an exercise and education program that helps you to exercise
meals shoes
safely and manage your breathlessness.

Vaccination
Showering Vaccinations for influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia and COVID-19 can
Walking Vacuuming
and dressing reduce the risk of a flare up. Ask your doctor to check if your
vaccinations are up to date.

Access information and support today Access the My COPD Checklist and discuss with your
lungfoundation.com.au doctor or nurse
enquiries@lungfoundation.com.au
1800 654 301