Is Your COPD Under Control? 5 Signs It's Time to Reassess Your Care Plan    

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) doesn’t mean you have to accept worsening symptoms as a normal part of getting older. With the right treatment plan and regular monitoring, many people with COPD can manage their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. 

But COPD can change over time, and your care plan may need to change with it.

Our providers here at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology recommend seeking a consultation and reevaluation of your COPD care plan if you notice any of the following five signs. 

1. You’re more short of breath than usual

If everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or doing household chores leave you more breathless than they used to, your COPD may not be as well controlled as it once was. 

But don’t assume your COPD is getting worse. Increasing shortness of breath can have several causes, including changes in lung function, an infection, or another health condition. We can determine what’s behind the change and whether your care plan needs to be adjusted. 

2. You’re using your rescue inhaler more often

Needing your quick-relief inhaler more frequently may be a sign that your current COPD treatment isn’t providing adequate symptom control. Keep track of how often you use it and share that information with us. We may need to adjust your medication regimen.

3. Your cough or mucus has changed

A persistent cough is common with COPD, but a noticeable change in the frequency, severity or character of your cough deserves attention. An increase in mucus or a change in its color or thickness can sometimes signal an infection or COPD flare-up.

These changes may also be a sign that your current care plan needs reassessment, including your medications or strategies for managing flare-ups. 

4. You’re having more flare-ups

COPD flare-ups can cause symptoms to suddenly become much worse and may require additional medication or medical care. 

If you’re experiencing flare-ups more often, we might want to reassess your medications, identify potential triggers, and discuss strategies to reduce your risk of future flare-ups. 

5. COPD is limiting your daily life

Perhaps you’ve stopped exercising, you avoid certain activities, or you find yourself planning your day around your breathing. These changes matter. 

The goal of COPD care isn’t simply to manage symptoms on paper. It’s to help you breathe as comfortably as possible and participate in the activities that are important to you.

Take charge of your COPD care

You don’t have to wait for a major change in your breathing to review your COPD care plan. Regular follow-up can help us monitor your symptoms, medications, and overall health to determine whether adjustments are appropriate.

At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, we can help you take a closer look at your COPD management. We’re experts when it comes to chronic disease management.

Call us or use our online scheduling tool to schedule a visit. We’re conveniently located south of Boston in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and proudly extend our services to communities throughout Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, and Providence counties.