Discussing COPD symptoms
Some patients may find it challenging to discuss COPD, particularly when it comes to sharing their symptoms.20
Patient Conversations
Reasons why patients may not disclose their symptoms19-23:
- Misunderstandings about the disease and its symptoms
- Ashamed of being diagnosed with COPD
- Not wanting to appear sick
- Stigma surrounding COPD due to connection to smoking
- Lack of perceived need for medical attention
- Fear of bad news
Not an actual patient.
Selecting a device for your patients
According to the GOLD Report, the choice of delivery device has to be individually tailored and will depend on access, cost, prescriber and, most importantly, the patient's ability and preference.2
Questions to consider
- Are your patients limited by their COPD symptoms?
- Are they using an inhaler more often since their last visit?
- Are they curious about a nebulized option that’s used once daily?
- Do they struggle with their current treatment?
- Worried they’re not getting the entire dose?
- Concerns about whether their device is working?
COPD=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GOLD=Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.