What to expect from a chronic disease review for COPD

You may be asked about cough, phlegm, wheeze, breathlessness, sleep and how far you can walk. Tell the clinician about any recent flare-up, antibiotic or steroid course, emergency visit, or change in sputum colour or amount. They may check oxygen level, breathing rate, chest sounds and weight, and consider whether lung-function testing is needed.

The clinician will watch how you use each inhaler, because technique affects how much medicine reaches your lungs. They may review smoking or vaping, vaccinations, exercise, nutrition and an action plan for worsening symptoms. Bring any spacer or inhaler device you use.

Bring your inhalers, spacer, medicines and a list of recent flare-ups. Write down what triggers breathlessness and which activities have become harder. Practise describing your usual symptoms compared with a flare-up. Ask for a written plan explaining which treatment to use first and when to contact the clinic.

Seek urgent help if breathlessness is severe or rapidly worsening, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you feel faint, or your reliever is not helping as directed. A sudden change in confusion or chest pain also needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for a scheduled review in these situations.

Ask whether your inhaler technique is effective, how to recognise your flare-up pattern, whether testing or rehabilitation could help, and when to arrange the next review.