Chronic Lung Disease: Helping with Treatment, For Caregivers
For someone with chronic lung disease, visits with the healthcare provider are key for good health. Encourage the person with chronic lung disease to take the lead in their care. Then offer support as needed. Work closely with the healthcare team. Make sure all appointments are kept. Also help make sure that treatment instructions are followed.
The healthcare team
Many providers can take part in treating chronic lung disease. Get to know these providers and what they do. This will help you feel better about asking questions.
- Respirologist. Specialist focused on lung problems. May work with a primary healthcare provider to guide the treatment plan.
- Respiratory therapist. Assesses breathing skills. Teaches breathing methods to ease symptoms.
- Physiotherapist. Teaches energy-saving methods. Oversees exercise and physical activity.
- Nurse. Helps with all types of care. Can help answer questions. Puts treatment plans into action.
- Social worker or case manager. Helps coordinate care. Answers questions about the healthcare system. Can also give referrals to needed services.
- Pharmacist. Fills prescriptions. Also gives information about medicines and how to take them safely.
- Registered dietitian. Helps with the person's nutrition needs.
- Home and community care team. Delivers professional and personal care services, usually in the person’s home, to help them remain well, safe, and independent in their home for as long as possible.
Visits to the healthcare provider
Go to provider visits with the person with chronic lung disease. To make the most of these visits, work together to:
- Keep a file for health records. Include all medicines that are taken. Gather as much health history as you can. Bring the file with you to all appointments.
- Keep track of changes in symptoms, diet, and physical activity.
- Make a list of questions and concerns. Make sure these are addressed before you leave the provider's office.
- Write down what the provider says. Bring a notepad or use an electronic device to do this.
Common treatments
Try to learn about treatments for the person's chronic lung disease. This helps you support good care habits. Here are some common treatments:
- Medicines. These help manage symptoms. Learn the names of any medicines given. Learn how they work and when they're taken. Some medicines need a special device. This may be an inhaler or nebulizer. Know how to use these devices. Go over the correct technique with the healthcare provider.
- Oxygen therapy. This helps improve breathing. If oxygen is needed, follow all safety guidelines.
- Pulmonary rehab (rehabilitation). This program trains people on exercise, emotional support, and managing symptoms. Team members often include healthcare providers, respiratory therapists, and physiotherapists. Go to sessions with the person with chronic lung disease when you can.
- Nutrition. Diet changes can help manage chronic lung disease. Registered dietitians often work on finding changes that may be helpful.
When to call the healthcare provider
Call the healthcare provider right away if the person with chronic lung disease has:
- Slightly more shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing
- Mucus that has increased, changed colour, or is bloody
- Tightness in the chest that won't go away. This is similar to what's occurred before from chronic lung disease.
- A fever of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or higher, or as directed by the provider
- Chills
- Feeling more tired and worn out (fatigue)
When to call for immediate help
Call 911 if any of these occur:
- Severe shortness of breath
- A large amount of blood in the mucus that's coughed up
- Tightness or pain in the chest that's new or different, or that gets worse
Adaptation Date: 07/09/2026
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
