Hospital Discharge Instructions

General Information

  • Make sure you understand which medications are your maintenance medications. These are medications you take daily to control your COPD symptoms.

  • Make sure you have all medications called into your pharmacy prior to discharge or that your medications are delivered bedside (some hospitals have bedside delivery).

  • Make sure to make your follow-up appointment with your doctor.

Medication

  • Take your medications and use oxygen (if recommended).

  • Take your medications exactly as directed. Do not skip doses.

  • During each appointment, talk with your doctor about your ability to correctly use inhaler.

Protect Yourself From Infection

  • Wash your hands often. Do your best to keep your hands away from your face. Most germs are spread from your hands to your mouth.

  • Stay away from crowds. It’s especially important to do this in the winter when more people have colds and flu.

To stay healthy, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet and you should:

  • Get about 8 hours of sleep every night

  • Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day

  • Have healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, 100% whole grains, lean meats and fish, and low-fat dairy products. Try to stay away from foods high in fats and sugar.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important to staying as healthy as possible.

When To Call A Healthcare Provider

  • More mucus

  • Yellow, green, bloody, or smelly mucus

  • Fever or chills

  • Swollen Ankles

WHEN TO CALL 911:

  • Shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing

  • Tightness in chest that doesn’t go away with your normal medications

  • An irregular heart beat or feeling your heart is racing

  • Trouble talking

  • Feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness

  • Skin turning blue, gray, or purple in color