Starting (and sticking with) treatment

There are many reasons people let COPD go untreated. Or treat it off and on. Some may have doubts about their diagnosis and the need for treatment. Others forget. But not treating your COPD (or not treating it consistently) deprives you of the full benefits of managing this condition: being able to breathe better all day, every day.

Deciding to treat COPD

Like any important decision, deciding whether your COPD should be treated requires information. Your doctor is the best source for this. Have an open discussion, and ask lots of questions. This conversation can help you avoid some common misconceptions about COPD.

For example:

  • "COPD is really just 'smoker's cough.' It will go away when I quit smoking."
    COPD does not go away when you quit smoking, although quitting will slow its progression and can improve your health.
  • "COPD isn't serious. My symptoms are mild, so I don't need daily medicine."
    COPD is the 4th leading cause of death, and the 2nd leading cause of disability in the U.S. COPD may be mild in the beginning, but gets worse over time. Maintenance treatment helps to keep COPD under control.
  • "I'm slowing down because I'm getting older. It's normal to be out of shape."
    Breathing problems like shortness of breath and chronic cough are not a normal part of getting older. If you have a history of smoking and have become less active because of breathing problems, you may have COPD. 

It's important to make sure you understand your diagnosis and the treatment your doctor prescribes. Including how and why you need to take it.

Staying motivated about managing COPD

It’s easy to forget a dose now and then. But sometimes you quit your medicine because you don’t think it is working. Or maybe you think that the cost outweighs the benefits.

  • "I took the medicine but then nothing happened."
    Maintenance medicines work over time and their effects are long-lasting. This is why you may not "feel" them working right away. These medicines help keep your airways open. You need to take them every day, even when you are breathing better, so that you can keep breathing better. You feel their full benefits over time.
  • "I can't afford all of the medicines my doctor prescribes."
    Medicines can be costly. Fortunately, there are programs that provide free or discounted medicines for people who need them. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) offers a directory of patient assistance programs. Visit www.pparx.org. Changes to Medicare may help, too. Learn more at www.medicare.gov.
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