COPD treatment

If you have a persistent cough or display other COPD symptoms, you can visit MinuteClinic to learn about COPD treatment options. Our providers understand the discomfort that can come with COPD, and they're here to help you develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.

At your COPD treatment visit, your MinuteClinic healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms and health history. They can then order diagnostic tests, prescribe medication and follow up with you as needed.

A MinuteClinic provider can also offer the following COPD treatment options:

• Regular monitoring and education on your condition
• Examination and treatment of COPD symptoms that have suddenly become worse

Patients with advanced COPD or who require additional care may be referred to a different healthcare provider.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

COPD takes a long time to develop and is the result of exposure to harmful irritants over a long period of time. Many people who get COPD are or were smokers, but people who have experienced long-term exposure to air pollution, chemicals, fumes and dust may also require treatment for COPD.

Most often, people who have COPD also have a history of the following lung conditions:

• Chronic bronchitis: A condition where thick mucus blocks the flow of air to your lungs.
• Emphysema: A long-term condition that damages the walls of the air sacs in your lungs (alveoli).

Many people that have COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma and frequent lung infections can also increase your risk of getting COPD.

COPD cannot be reversed. However, you can slow down the disease and manage your symptoms with medication. You can also manage COPD symptoms by making healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising. Smokers with COPD are advised to quit to prevent further damage to their lungs.

Other treatment for COPD may include:

• Fast-acting bronchodilators: Inhale these medications to relieve coughing and breathing problems.
• Long-acting bronchodilators: This daily medication can control long-term symptoms.
• Inhaled steroids: These relieve inflammation and other symptoms.
• Antibiotics: Fight lung infections and prevent them from coming back with these medications.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: This combines education, exercise training and needs-based counseling.
• Oxygen therapy: For this therapy, a provider gives you extra oxygen to increase the amount of oxygen in your blood.

COPD can reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood (hypoxemia). Signs that you may not have enough oxygen in your blood include:

• Memory loss or confusion
• Clumsiness
• Dizziness or fainting
• Changes in your vision
• Lips or nails that look bluish gray

A lack of oxygen from COPD can also create life-threatening problems, including damage to your brain, heart and other organs.