Hospital to Home Care

Whether you were diagnosed with COPD at the hospital or an infectious lung disease like the flu worsened your COPD symptoms, it is important to learn about COPD and ways to manage and prevent future flare ups.

The COPD Basics Booklet, or expanded Learning to Live with COPD Workbook, both are free to download and can help you learn about your disease and take steps to stay healthy.  Lung Health Navigators provide free help over the phone or video call and can help you understand your COPD medications, how to stay active and eat healthy, and ways to keep your airways clear of mucus.

Depending on the severity of your exacerbation, recovery may last a few days to several weeks. During this time, you will need to drink plenty of water and get extra rest.  

Your healthcare provider may recommend you take time off work to recover or limit your other obligations while you regain your strength. When doing daily activities like dressing or bathing, you may need to pace yourself and take a break between activities. This is a time where you will want to conserve your energy, use breathing exercises, and ask your friends, family, and caregivers to help. 

Take your COPD medication and use supplemental oxygen as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Part of your recovery plan may include taking medication to help reduce your fever or additional medication to improve your COPD symptoms. If you are prescribed medication, do not stop taking medications just because you feel better without first talking with your healthcare provider.

Schedule a follow up appointment with your health care provider. As part of your discharge paperwork, your healthcare provider may have recommended you attend pulmonary rehabilitation, quit smoking or see a pulmonologist or lung specialist. Keep those appointments and follow through with those recommendations. If you do not have a COPD Action and Management Plan, talk to your healthcare provider about one at your next appointment.

During your recovery you may experience worsening symptoms. Early detection and treatment of these symptoms is important. Symptoms may include a returning fever, tiredness, shortness of breath or cough, changes in your mucus color, thickness or amount, swelling in the legs, or chest pain. Do not delay contacting your healthcare provider or seeking immediate medical attention if you experience these new or worsening symptoms.