Fitting your COPD Action Plan into your life

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Your COPD plan is a written guide that helps you manage your condition and tells you what to do when your COPD is under control,

when symptoms are getting worse, and when you're having an emergency. Think about it like any other healthy habit, just like choosing a salad instead of fries or water

instead of soda. A COPD plan can fit into your life and help you better manage your COPD. It's important to review your COPD plan at least once a year

with your doctor or when your symptoms or treatment changes. A COPD plan is generally broken into three zones--

green, yellow, and red-- kind of like a stoplight. You're in the green zone when your COPD is controlled,

your COPD symptoms and weight are stable, you can do daily activities and follow your lifestyle plan, and you don't have signs of other illness,

like fever or sinus congestion. The green zone means "all clear." It contains your daily COPD plan, how to take your meds

and use oxygen as directed. You'll also see reminders to help manage COPD, like checking your weight and blood pressure and not smoking.

You're in the yellow zone when your COPD symptoms are worsening. If you're in the yellow zone, tell your doctor.

Your COPD may be worsening, and you may need to change or add medication. The yellow zone means caution.

It contains a sick plan, which tells you to continue your prescribed meds, monitor symptoms and puffs of quick-relief meds, and other health care provider advice.

It also contains a warning zone that tells you when to call your health care provider right away. The red zone is the emergency zone and means call 911 now.

It gives you information on emergency symptoms that mean get help now, like sudden increase in difficulty breathing.

Your COPD plan also has a section where you can write questions for your health care provider and a lifestyle section with tips