Are You A Good Medical Reporter?

Your body gives off signals constantly and, if you're observant, you can learn to interpret them to breathe better. Who's A Better Judge Of How You Feel Than You? Who knows best when you're feeling tired, when you've overeaten, or when you're experiencing shortness of breath? Why, you do, of course. And if you learn to pay closer attention, your body can tell you lots more. It's especially important for people with COPD to be aware of any changes in their bodies that may indicate the start of a respiratory problem. Here is a list of such signs and symptoms which you will want to discuss with your doctor should they appear: Any loss of appetite which is more than normal for you. Heart palpitations. Unusual dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, irritability, or confusion. Inability to exercise or be as active as usual. A fever or any unusual rise in body temperature above what is normal for you. Cold and flu symptoms such as a runny nose, achiness, chills, and sometimes fever Swelling in the ankles, legs, or around the eyelids. Any sudden weight gain of four pounds or more in 48 hours. A change in any pulmonary symptoms such as those mentioned below. Look For Changes In These Pulmonary Symptoms SHORTNESS OF BREATH — The sensation that results when you feel you must work harder to breathe. (For example: waking during the night due to a feeling of breathlessness.) CHEST PAIN — May be lung-related or may indicate heart or stomach problems. ( For example: pleurisy.) WHEEZING — Caused by a narrowing of the air tubes in the lungs. (For example: high-pitched, noisy breathing.) SPUTUM — Also known as mucus or phlegm. Be alert to changes in amount, color, consistency, and odor. (For example: a change from white to yellow sputum.) COUGH — The most common pulmonary symptom. (For example: a chronic or persistent cough. This always needs a medical evaluation. ) Ask Yourself the following questions to accurately report a symptom to your doctor: WHERE is the symptom located? WHAT KIND of symptom do you have? HOW OFTEN OR HOW LONG have you had the symptom? HOW did you get the symptom? WHEN did you get the symptom? WHAT MAKES THE SYMPTOM better or worse? WHAT ELSE happens to you when you have the symptom? Your doctor can help you achieve the best health possible, but only if you help him help you. Remember—with good medical care, and using self-help as your strategy for living with COPD, you may notice fewer episodes of serious shortness of breath and enjoy a greater sense of well-being!