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How to manage your respiratory condition

This page by the Leeds Community Respiratory team will give you more information on how to manage your respiratory condition.

Understanding what is normal for you on a daily basis is key to staying well. Recognising your usual symptoms helps you identify when things change.

Common symptoms

To effectively manage your condition, consider the following actions:

Medication management: Take medications and inhalers as prescribed. Ensure you do not run out.
Symptom awareness: Monitor your usual symptoms and oxygen levels.
Physical activity: Engage in regular exercise.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: Participate if offered.
Breathing techniques: Learn and use appropriate techniques.
Vaccinations: Stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and other relevant vaccines.
Smoking cessation: Seek support to stop smoking.
Temperature regulation: Keep warm in winter and cool in summer.
Nutrition and hydration: Maintain a healthy diet and fluid intake.
Weight management: If you’re losing weight unintentionally, increase protein and calorie intake.
Routine care: Attend regular reviews and health checks.
Digital support: Use tools like the myCOPD app for guidance and monitoring.

An exacerbation is a sudden worsening of your usual symptoms, often requiring a change in treatment.

Action: If symptoms worsen, contact your GP or NHS 111. Other causes may be contributing, so seek medical advice.

Signs of a severe exacerbation: Call 999 immediately,

If you experience the below symptoms, you must call 999 immediately.