{"id":633450,"date":"2025-09-18T09:30:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T13:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=633450"},"modified":"2025-11-07T13:05:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:05:54","slug":"how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/","title":{"rendered":"5 ways pharmacists can help patients breathe easier with COPD"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/copd-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. It affects 11.7 million adults and is the cause of hundreds of thousands of emergency room (ER) visits each year, according to the American Lung Association. Pharmacists are in a unique position to help patients manage their COPD. From helping patients adhere to their treatment plan to recommending appropriate lifestyle modifications, pharmacists play an important role in helping patients manage their COPD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-copd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is COPD?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-disease-lookup\/copd\/learn-about-copd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a chronic lung disease characterized by air flow limitation. This can lead to less oxygen being delivered to the organs. It is considered a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. But the earlier someone receives a diagnosis of COPD, the sooner treatment can begin. This can help preserve lung function. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-disease-lookup\/copd\/symptoms-diagnosis\/symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of COPD include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing or chest tightness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue or tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughing up phlegm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty taking a deep breath<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because there is no cure for COPD, treatment is focused on managing symptoms and decreasing exacerbations. Healthcare providers categorize COPD into one of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-disease-lookup\/copd\/symptoms-diagnosis\/diagnosing\/stages\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">four stages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: mild, moderate, severe, or very severe. Treatment depends on which stage of COPD a patient has.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/goldcopd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/GOLD-2020-POCKET-GUIDE-ver1.0_FINAL-WMV.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are used to manage COPD, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antimuscarinic drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylxanthines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combination bronchodilator medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhaled and oral corticosteroids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/mucolytics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mucolytics<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antioxidant agents<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-help-patients-with-copd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to help patients with COPD<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacists can educate patients on several aspects of COPD management. In fact, there is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7499078\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that pharmacist-led COPD interventions can positively influence COPD by reducing hospital and ER visits, helping patients quit smoking, and improving inhaler techniques. Here are five ways pharmacists can help patients manage their COPD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-educate-patients-on-proper-inhaler-use\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Educate patients on proper inhaler use<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As medication experts, pharmacists can help educate patients about the proper use of their medications\u2014whether that means reviewing dosage and administration instructions, side effects, or potential drug interactions. Inhalers in particular can be tricky to use, especially for patients who are newly diagnosed with COPD. Pharmacists can help counsel patients on how and when to use their inhaler, as well as provide any other important administration instructions. For example, explain how short-acting beta agonists should be used as needed for acute symptoms only, while long-acting beta agonists should be used daily for long-term control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is also helpful to have patients open the device during the counseling session so you can show them exactly how to administer a dose. Remind them to refer to the instructions that come with the device if they have any questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-encourage-medication-adherence\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Encourage medication adherence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10529685\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonadherence to COPD medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality, more frequent exacerbations, and higher healthcare costs. Pharmacists have an invaluable opportunity to encourage medication adherence, which can help improve outcomes. One way to do this is through patient counseling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8934480\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has shown that medication adherence in COPD is low due to gaps in understanding, forgetfulness of the patient, lack of provider availability, financial burden, and substance use. When patients come into the pharmacy to pick up their medications, pharmacists can take the opportunity to explain the importance of adherence in preventing exacerbations and hospitalizations. You can also provide strategies to remember to take their medications, such as setting daily reminders or pairing their medication with another daily activity. Lastly, offering different options for financial support, including using a SingleCare coupon or applying for patient assistance, can be extremely helpful for patients who are struggling with the costs of treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-offer-appropriate-vaccines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Offer appropriate vaccines<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with lung disease are at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfid.org\/immunization\/vaccines-and-lung-disease\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of serious illness from respiratory diseases, such as the flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Due to this, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/copd\/about\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommends the following vaccines in people with COPD to help prevent illness:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COVID-19<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pneumococcal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacists play a key role in improving vaccination rates among COPD patients by identifying patients who are eligible for the vaccine and educating them about the importance of getting vaccinated. All three of the recommended vaccines are typically available in retail pharmacy settings as well.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-identify-exacerbations-that-warrant-medical-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Identify exacerbations that warrant medical care<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists may be among the first to notice if a patient is experiencing or has experienced a COPD exacerbation. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000698.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs and symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of a COPD flare may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble catching your breath or taking a deep breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughing or wheezing more than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Producing more phlegm than normal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty sleeping\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gray or pale skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue or purple lips or nails<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble speaking in full sentences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased use of a rescue inhaler<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizing these signs and providing timely referrals can help reduce the risk of complications and hospitalizations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-recommend-lifestyle-modifications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Recommend lifestyle modifications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain lifestyle changes can help COPD patients feel better, stay more active, and slow the progression of their disease, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/copd\/living-with\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Institutes of Health (NIH)<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet, for example, plays a role in managing COPD symptoms. Encouraging patients to eat smaller meals throughout the day, rest before eating, and consume a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish can help protect their lungs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical activity can also help strengthen breathing muscles and improve overall wellness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7499078\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking cessation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential for people with COPD as it has a major influence on the disease course. Several states have passed legislation that allows community pharmacists to provide smoking cessation counseling and smoking cessation drug therapy. There is also evidence that pharmacist-led smoking cessation counseling has been linked to long periods of abstinence, according to a study published in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Management of COPD consists of reducing symptoms and preventing exacerbations. As frontline healthcare providers and medication experts, pharmacists can help patients accomplish this in several ways. These include educating patients on proper medication use, encouraging medication adherence, offering appropriate vaccinations, identifying patients who need medical care, and recommending lifestyle modifications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. It affects 11.7 million adults and is the cause of hundreds of thousands of emergency room (ER) visits each year, according to the American Lung Association. Pharmacists are in a unique position to help patients manage their COPD. From helping patients adhere [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":633451,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9340],"tags":[20946,743,8905],"coauthors":[20969],"class_list":["post-633450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-checkout","tag-copd","tag-pharmacies","tag-seasonal","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How pharmacists can help patients with COPD<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients manage COPD, including teaching them about proper medication use, helping them adhere to treatment, and more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"5 pharmacist interventions that make a difference in COPD care\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"You play a vital role in improving outcomes, adherence, and quality of life\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Checkup\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-09-18T13:30:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-07T18:05:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ashley Wong, Pharm. D.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"5 pharmacist interventions that make a difference in COPD care\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"You play a vital role in improving outcomes and adherence\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ashley Wong, Pharm. D.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Heidi Borst\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/fda93df2f5d09af0d250b59dfb4b46f2\"},\"headline\":\"5 ways pharmacists can help patients breathe easier with COPD\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-18T13:30:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-07T18:05:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":991,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"COPD\",\"Pharmacies\",\"Seasonal\"],\"articleSection\":[\"The Checkout\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/\",\"name\":\"How pharmacists can help patients with COPD\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-18T13:30:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-07T18:05:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients manage COPD, including teaching them about proper medication use, helping them adhere to treatment, and more.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"Pharmacist counseling a patient - How pharmacists can help patients with COPD\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"5 ways pharmacists can help patients breathe easier with COPD\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare\",\"description\":\"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"SingleCare\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"SingleCare\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/singlecare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/SingleCare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/singlecare\\\/?hl=en\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/singlecare\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/fda93df2f5d09af0d250b59dfb4b46f2\",\"name\":\"Heidi Borst\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/54e15f256159a3a0cbbdb7480726ea326337311f82e102efe7ccf0b90b5c7cc2?s=96&d=mm&r=g5fb1f533c8ee6da65648bfe7ca214e71\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/54e15f256159a3a0cbbdb7480726ea326337311f82e102efe7ccf0b90b5c7cc2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/54e15f256159a3a0cbbdb7480726ea326337311f82e102efe7ccf0b90b5c7cc2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Heidi Borst\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/hborstrxsense-com\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How pharmacists can help patients with COPD","description":"Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients manage COPD, including teaching them about proper medication use, helping them adhere to treatment, and more.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"5 pharmacist interventions that make a difference in COPD care","og_description":"You play a vital role in improving outcomes, adherence, and quality of life","og_url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/","og_site_name":"The Checkup","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","article_published_time":"2025-09-18T13:30:01+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-11-07T18:05:54+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Ashley Wong, Pharm. D.","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"5 pharmacist interventions that make a difference in COPD care","twitter_description":"You play a vital role in improving outcomes and adherence","twitter_creator":"@SingleCare","twitter_site":"@SingleCare","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ashley Wong, Pharm. D.","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/"},"author":{"name":"Heidi Borst","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/fda93df2f5d09af0d250b59dfb4b46f2"},"headline":"5 ways pharmacists can help patients breathe easier with COPD","datePublished":"2025-09-18T13:30:01+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-07T18:05:54+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/"},"wordCount":991,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp","keywords":["COPD","Pharmacies","Seasonal"],"articleSection":["The Checkout"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/","name":"How pharmacists can help patients with COPD","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp","datePublished":"2025-09-18T13:30:01+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-07T18:05:54+00:00","description":"Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients manage COPD, including teaching them about proper medication use, helping them adhere to treatment, and more.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog_091825_The_pharmacists_role_in_helping_patients_manage_COPD-copy.webp","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"Pharmacist counseling a patient - How pharmacists can help patients with COPD"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-pharmacists-can-help-patients-with-copd\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"5 ways pharmacists can help patients breathe easier with COPD"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","name":"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare","description":"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"SingleCare","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"caption":"SingleCare"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","https:\/\/x.com\/SingleCare","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/singlecare\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/singlecare\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/fda93df2f5d09af0d250b59dfb4b46f2","name":"Heidi Borst","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54e15f256159a3a0cbbdb7480726ea326337311f82e102efe7ccf0b90b5c7cc2?s=96&d=mm&r=g5fb1f533c8ee6da65648bfe7ca214e71","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54e15f256159a3a0cbbdb7480726ea326337311f82e102efe7ccf0b90b5c7cc2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/54e15f256159a3a0cbbdb7480726ea326337311f82e102efe7ccf0b90b5c7cc2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Heidi Borst"},"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/author\/hborstrxsense-com\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=633450"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633450\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/633451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=633450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=633450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=633450"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=633450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}