The Patient Experience

In the Best Care COPD Program the Certified Respiratory Educator will: ​

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• Do a breathing test, known as pre and post spirometry, to detect swelling and tightness in the airways.

• Discuss your family history, medical history, smoking history, allergies, symptoms, and triggers (things that bother your breathing).

• Determine the severity of existing COPD and how it is affecting your quality of life. 

• Educate you about what COPD is, recognizing your symptoms and how to respond to a COPD flare up.

• Review medications and correct puffer use, smoking cessation (when applicable), regular exercise, healthy eating, breathing techniques, safe travel, advanced care planning, and how to cope with COPD.

• Together with you and your primary care provider, make appropriate referrals as needed to smoking cessation program, pulmonary rehab program, and specialist consults. 

• Create a COPD Action Plan so you know what to do if your breathing gets worse.