Annual COPD Review
To get started with your annual COPD review, just fill out the short form below. This helps us keep track of your symptoms and make sure you’re getting the right care. In-person attendance at the practice is not required at this stage.
Our clinical team at Barclay Medical Practice actively monitors and reviews all online COPD review submissions. Once you send yours in, one of our clinicians will check your responses and reach out by phone or text if any changes to your medication are needed.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung and airway diseases that restrict your breathing. COPD happens when your lungs become damaged, making it harder to get air in and out. Without treatment, symptoms can worsen over time, but the right treatment can help keep your COPD under control.
If you have COPD, you can make some lifestyle changes to help you breathe more comfortably and reduce the likelihood of exacerbations (flare-ups).
- Follow your treatment plan. This means taking your prescribed medications on time and using any inhalers or other treatments your GP has recommended to help you manage your symptoms.
- Stop smoking. About 90% of cases of COPD are associated with cigarette smoking. Quitting can help slow down or prevent further damage to your lungs.
- Watch what you’re breathing in. Besides avoiding cigarette smoke, stay clear of other potential irritants such as environmental smoke, dust, pollen and chemicals like insecticides and harsh household cleaners.
- Exercise regularly. This improves your breathing and lessens the disease’s impact on your body. If your symptoms are severe or you have not exercised in a while, speak to your GP for advice before starting a new exercise programme.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can put more strain on your lungs and heart, making it harder to breathe. On the other hand, being underweight can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight infections. A balanced diet combined with regular exercise can help you maintain the right weight for your body.
- Get vaccinated. If you have COPD, you’re more vulnerable to respiratory infections than others. Staying up to date on your vaccinations—such as the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine and pneumonia vaccine—can help protect you from infections that could exacerbate your COPD symptoms. Find out more about vaccination options provided by NHS Scotland.
If you have any questions or concerns about your symptoms or treatment plan, book a routine appointment to speak with one of our clinicians.
Clinical information taken from NHS UK, NHS Inform, World Health Organisation (WHO), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and Asthma + Lung UK.
If COPD is affecting your breathing, we may prescribe you with an inhaler. This is a device that delivers medicine directly into your lungs as you breathe in. One of our clinicians will show you how to use the inhaler properly and let you know how often you should use it to get the best results.
There are several different types of inhalers for COPD. The NHS recommends the following general steps for using them:
- Remove the mouthpiece cover by squeezing both sides and pulling out. Check the mouthpiece for foreign objects before use.
- Shake the inhaler well, breathe out fully, then place the mouthpiece into your mouth. Close your lips around the mouthpiece.
- Start breathing in deeply and slowly while taking in 1 puff. Keep breathing in until you can’t anymore.
- Hold your breath for as long as you can, up to 10 seconds.
- Repeat step 2 for a second puff if informed by a clinician that this is your required dosage.
- Put the mouthpiece cover back on.
- Rinse your mouth with water, then spit out the water. Do not swallow.
Watch an instructional video on how to use your specific inhaler. Make sure you also check your inhaler’s instruction manual to learn how to prime a new inhaler, and to clean and maintain your inhaler to prevent medication buildup and blockages.
