Key Points
– This secure form will allow you to provide the information your GP team needs to review your COPD.
– This includes some questions about key COPD symptoms.
– Coughing up blood or unintended weight loss may indicate a serious problem. In this case please abandon this online review and contact the practice directly.
– Your answers may not be seen immediately meaning this service is not suitable for seeking urgent or emergency care.
– This form should only be used by someone over the age of 13.
– When you are ready to complete your review, click the “Review my COPD” tab above.
Vaccines
– Exacerbations or flare-ups of COPD are mainly caused by respiratory viruses and bacteria.
– These respiratory bugs lead to increased inflammation and chest infections.
– Vaccination can reduce the number of exacerbations of the disease and reduce hospital admissions.
– The first recommendation is the Influenza (flu) vaccine (normally administered once a year in October or November).
– The second recommendation is the Pneumococcal vaccine (for most people this is a one-off vaccine).
Helpful Tips
– If your inhaler contains a steroid, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after every use to prevent mouth infections.
– All used inhalers should be returned to a pharmacy to be disposed of safely.
– If you have your own oxygen saturation machine at home and it falls below 90%, then this may indicate a serious problem.
– If your oxygen level falls below 90%, you should contact the urgent care services (999).