COPD Action Plan

Here's a simple COPD Action Plan if you have a flare-up.

If you are short of breath, use albuterol sulfate and/or ipratropium bromide inhalers every 2 – 4 hours as needed.

  • Albuterol sulfate – brand names are ProAir, Proventil, and Ventolin

  • Ipratropium bromide – brand name is Atrovent

  • Combination of albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide –brand names are Combivent Respimat and DuoNeb solution (in nebulizer)

1.

If you cough up yellow or green mucus, call or see your health care professional to ask if an antibiotic is appropriate.

2.

If use of albuterol sulfate and/or ipratropium bromide inhalers does not help improve your breathing difficulty, call or see your health care professional to ask if prednisone is appropriate.

3.

If you cannot speak in full sentences or cannot fall asleep at night because of breathing difficulty, call or see your health care professional, go to an Urgent Care center, or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

4.

Please note, this Simple COPD Action Plan provides general medical information. You should contact your personal health care professional to ask about any symptoms or for an answer to a specific question.