Kevin Felner

If you’re living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), you can make your daily routine easier by following some tips for tracking your COPD medications and properly planning a short trip away from home. Recognize the COPD symptoms that require medical attention. Keep important information — like your doctor’s name and number, plus a current medication list — handy for family and friends to find, if necessary.

The combinations of COPD medicines and therapy can be confusing — especially if you have to remember meds at certain times of the day or intervals throughout the day. Keeping your COPD medicine routine under control is vital for your health (and your wallet), so try these tips to maintain your meds: Work your meds into your regular routine.

Each time you visit a doctor about your COPD, go over the medications you’re taking including dosage and when you take them. Record the information on a chart, like the following, and keep it with you and post a copy on the refrigerator where loved ones can find it in case of emergency. Remember to include not only prescribed meds, but any over-the counter medications and vitamins or supplements you take.

Having COPD doesn’t mean being confined to your home, even if you’re on oxygen therapy you can get out if you feel up to it. A little planning and preparation will make outings less stressful, both physically and mentally, so be smart about what you do and when you do it by following these tips: Check the weather.

Be on the lookout for COPD signs that require medical attention either from your doctor or a trip to the emergency room. If your meds just don’t seem to be helping, or your symptoms suddenly get worse it’s time to get medical help. Use these tips to decide when you should call your doctor or go to the hospital: Call your doctor if: Your coughing gets worse.