Please be aware, the information on this page relates to Bedford Hospital

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme: Symptom Checker

Symptom
Action 1
Action 2
Action 3
Symptom

Increased shortness of breath

Action 1

Increase the use of your reliever/inhaler/nebuliser. Take regular doses up to the maximum allowed.
My maximum dose is ………….
If better after 2 days return to your normal dose. Carry out your breathing exercises and breathing control.

Action 2

If symptoms persist for more than 2 days contact your GP/Practice Nurse or community matron. Start taking your Prednisolone if you have it at home and contact GP/Practice Nurse/Community matron to inform them you have started your medication.

Action 3

Contact your GP/Practice Nurse or community matron if you are not getting any better.
Or contact the Acute Respiratory Assessment Service (ARAS) on 01234 730343.

Symptom

Increased phlegm

Action 1

Keep a close eye and look for any changes in colour.
Carry out more of your phlegm clearance exercises.

Action 2
Action 3
Symptom

Change from normal sputum colour or blood stained sputum

Action 1

Contact your GP/Practice Nurse/community matron for a prescription. Start to take your antibiotics if you have them at home and contact your GP/Practice Nurse/community matron to inform them you have started your medication.

Action 2

If your symptoms are not improving after 3 days you may need some different antibiotics. Contact your GP/Practice Nurse or community matron.

Action 3

Contact your GP/Practice Nurse or community matron if you are not getting any better. Or contact the Acute Respiratory Assessment Service (ARAS) on 01234 730343.

Symptom

Increased cough

Action 1

Increase the use of your reliever inhaler. Take regular doses up to the maximum allowed.
My maximum dose is …………
If better after 2 days return to your normal dose.

Action 2

If symptoms persist for more than 2 days contact your GP/Practice Nurse or community matron. Start taking your Prednisolone if you have it at home and contact GP/Practice Nurse/ community matron to inform them you have started your medication.

Action 3

Contact your GP/Practice Nurse or community matron if you are not getting any better. Or contact the Acute Respiratory Assessment Service (ARAS) on 01234 730343.

Symptom

Loss of appetite

Action 1

This may be an early sign that you have an infection. Keep an eye out for any other symptoms.

Action 2

Try easy to eat foods little and often.

Action 3

If your appetite does not return or you start to lose weight contact your GP/Practice Nurse or community matron.

Symptom

Increased tiredness or lethargy

Action 1

This may be an early sign that you may have an infection. Keep an eye out for any other symptoms.

Action 2
Action 3