5 Signs That You Should Talk to Your Doctor About Your COPD Medication

However, COPD medications, including bronchodilators, steroids, combination medications, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, and antibiotics, may lose their effectiveness over time. Here are some signs that you should talk to your doctor about your COPD medication.

The biggest indicators that your COPD is getting worse would be increased shortness of breath, less activity, or a reduced ability to move, climb stairs, or walk up a slight incline, says Robert A. Wise, MD, the medical director of the pulmonary function laboratory at the Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center in Baltimore. “A worsening cough, wheezing or chest tightening, and a change in phlegm — either in consistency, volume, or color — are other signs that your condition is getting worse,” says Dr. Wise.

Doctors prescribe a dozen different types of inhalers, and it’s quite common for people to use their inhaler in a less-than-optimal fashion. “Very often, if someone is worsening, it’s not a matter of changing their medication, but rather ensuring that they are using their inhaler properly,” he says.

In general, Wise says that even if you’ve been on your COPD medication for a long time, you shouldn’t have to increase your dose to get the same benefit.

If you aren’t getting the same benefit from your medication, you should check in with your healthcare provider and make sure you are using your inhaler correctly, says Wise.

“Sometimes in asthma, if people overuse their rescue inhaler, it can have less and less efficacy; but that’s usually a sign that their asthma is getting worse rather than that they’re developing [a tolerance] to the medication,” he says.

“If you have more irritation or soreness of the mouth or you notice whitish patches on the tongue or the inside of the mouth, it could signal the presence of thrush, or a candida infection, of the mouth,” says Wise.

The most common side effects of some of the oral medications prescribed for COPD, are GI upset, such as nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss, says Wise. He adds that this typically happens when you begin taking the medicine.

• Inhaled Steroids Bruising, oral infections, and hoarseness
• Oral Steroids Weight gain, diabetes, osteoporosis, cataracts, and more frequent infections
• Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors (Roflumilast) Diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss
• Theophylline Nausea, headaches, fast heartbeat, and tremors

COPD medications can support easier breathing and improved quality of life. However, if symptoms get worse or new symptoms develop, discuss your current medication regimen with your doctor.

If you begin to experience side effects such as thrush after regular inhaler use, or gastrointestinal upset, it might be time to change the medication, delivery system, or dosage.