When is chronic disease review recommended for COPD?

The appointment may cover cough, phlegm, breathlessness, sleep, walking ability and recent flare-ups. The clinician can watch you use each inhaler, check whether it suits your needs, and review an action plan for worsening symptoms. They may also discuss smoking cessation, activity, nutrition, vaccinations and pulmonary rehabilitation where appropriate.

Regular review helps distinguish a gradual change from an acute flare-up. It also gives you a chance to explain practical problems, such as difficulty reaching the inhaler, side effects, or breathlessness that limits washing, dressing or shopping.

Bring your inhalers, spacer and a list of medicines. Write down changes in sputum colour or amount, wheeze, night symptoms, activity tolerance and any antibiotic or steroid courses. Mention smoking or workplace exposure, weight change and difficulties using oxygen or other equipment. Use prescribed treatment as instructed while waiting for review.

Get urgent medical help if breathlessness becomes severe or rapidly worse, you cannot speak in full sentences, you develop blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, chest pain, or your usual rescue plan is not improving the episode. Do not wait for a routine COPD review during a serious flare-up.

Ask how stable your breathing is, how to recognise your flare-up pattern, whether your inhaler technique is correct, what activity is suitable, and exactly when to contact a clinician.