Manage COPD. Breathe easier day to day.
Understand your medications, get your inhaler technique right, and know your early warning signs. With the right plan, most flare-ups are catchable before they become emergencies.
What do you need right now?
Pulmonary rehab is one of the most protective things you can do
It’s covered by Medicare and most insurance, and it meaningfully improves how much you can do day to day. If you haven’t been referred, ask about it directly.
Are you noticing early signs of a flare-up?
4 quick questions. Nothing here is saved or stored — this stays in your browser.
1. More shortness of breath than your usual baseline?
2. Using your rescue inhaler more often than usual?
3. A change in the color, amount, or thickness of your mucus?
4. A new or worsening cough, fever, or feeling more tired than usual?
This is a general check-in, not a personal determination or diagnosis. If you’re struggling to breathe or your lips or fingertips are turning blue, call 911.
Medication options
For context, not a recommendation — your provider will help choose what fits your situation.
| Inhaler / treatment type | What it does | When it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| Rescue inhaler (albuterol) | Opens airways quickly when you’re suddenly short of breath | For sudden symptoms; not daily prevention |
| Long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA) | Keeps airways open over 12–24 hours | Daily maintenance; foundational for moderate-severe COPD |
| Long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) | Similar to LAMA, different mechanism | Daily maintenance; often combined with LAMA |
| Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) | Reduces inflammation in airways | Added when frequent flare-ups; not first-line for everyone |
| Oxygen therapy | Supplements oxygen levels | When oxygen saturation is consistently low |
The information here describes how a class of medications generally works and what to discuss with your provider or pharmacist. It is not a prescription, a recommendation of a specific drug or dose, or instructions to start, stop, or change any medication. Decisions about medications belong to you and your prescribing clinician.
Building your care team
Ready to find care?
Search for a pulmonologist or pulmonary rehab program near you.