COPD Covid19

Having COPD makes it more likely you will experience complications from the Coronavirus. It is important you know what to do when your breathing gets worse. We advise you to limit your exposure as much as possible by not going to crowded places and avoid public transport.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.  Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport.  Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

You should have what is know as a “rescue pack” of antibiotics and steroids at home. If you do not currently have some please contact the Surgery.

FOLLOW THIS GUIDE TO KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOUR  BREATHING  FEELS  WORSE THAN USUAL:

FIRST

Check the colour of your sputum:

Cough some sputum onto a white tissue.

If your sputum colour has changed from clear or pale to a darker shade e.g. yellow or green for at least 24 hours: Start ANTIBIOTICS.

If you have been prescribed a rescue pack, you should always make sure that you have this medication available at home.

If you do not have a rescue pack at home and your breathing feels worse and your sputum has changed colour, please obtain a prescription without delay from the surgery.  Phone the surgery and ask to be added to the triage list.

AFTER LOOKING  AT YOUR SPUTUM CHECK THIS TABLE

If all of your symptoms are in the GREEN column continue your usual treatment.

If any of your symptoms are in the AMBER column:

Increase your  RELIEVER INHALER (usually blue):                   

take it regularly every 4 hours.

Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you improve within 2 days resume usual treatment. If you feel NO improvement after 2 days, start PREDNISOLONE.

If any of your symptoms are in the  RED column:

Take maximum reliever treatment (2 puffs every 4 hours)  and start PREDNISOLONE immediately;  30mg  (6x5mg tablets once a day)  for 7 days from your rescue pack.

If you think you need to take prednisolone and do not have it at home as part of your rescue pack, please contact the surgery to be added to the triage list.

WARNING

If at any time  you get severe symptoms or

If you have symptoms and have tried medication and you are not getting better, please contact your doctor/ nurse for an urgent review. 

You can contact medical help out of hours by calling 111 or phoning the surgery number 020 8876 1033

FOLLOW-UP

Please put in a request for any medication you have used.

Your RELIEVER inhaler is: SALBUTAMOL (BLUE)

Your REGULAR INHALER(s) are:

Take a daily Vitamin D Supplement available over the counter at the pharmacy.