Manage Your COPD Flare-Ups If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, there may be times when your symptoms suddenly get worse. This is called a flare-up or exacerbation. When this happens, you may: 1. Find it more difficult to breathe 2. Produce more mucus 3. Have a cough 4. Feel unusually tired Your provider may prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms. Certain medications help prevent symptoms, and other kinds are for when you have a flare-up. Both types are designed to make it easier to breathe.
Corticosteroids: Reduce swelling Example: Prednisone This type of medication helps by reducing swelling and mucus.
Bronchodilators: Open airways Example: Albuterol This type of medication helps relax the muscles around your airways.
Take your COPD medications as directed to help prevent future flare-ups. Avoid triggers like smoking, air pollution, dust, fumes and cold weather. If you have questions, talk to your provider or pharmacist. Source: www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/livingwith/copd/Managing/Medications/3,88803 www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd/symptoms www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd/living-with
Taking More Than One Medication? What You Should Know
Do you take more than one medication? Make sure you know each medication you take and the risks when they are taken together. Sometimes opioids and benzodiazepines are prescribed together. If you take both, watch for serious side effects like slow breathing, drowsiness, and confusion.
Opioids are for pain. Examples include:
Benzodiazepines are for anxiety. Examples include:
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin) • Morphine • Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Alprazolam (Xanax) • Clonazepam (Koonin) • Diazepam (Valium)
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Tell them if you: • Have been prescribed these types of medications • Have side effects • Are thinking about taking any new medications, whether it’s a prescription or over the counter
Source: https://nida.nih. gov/research-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids; https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids
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