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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + COPD and asthma

With COPD or asthma, lung infections and breathlessness are watched especially closely during leukaemia treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Lungs and airways
Figure 1.Lungs and airways — Leukemia + COPD and asthma

01Short answer

When white cells are low, the risk of lung infection rises, and in COPD and asthma infection can make attacks worse. Keep using your inhalers unless a doctor says otherwise. Steroid tablets may also be used for asthma, so both doctors need to know each other’s plan.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your lung doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Flare-up: infection can suddenly worsen COPD and asthma.

Vaccines: ask your team about flu and pneumococcal vaccines; some vaccines are not given during treatment.

04What happens in the body?

COPD and asthma and leukaemia

People with COPD and asthma can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and COPD and asthma can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A closed inhaler
Figure 2.A closed inhaler — Leukemia + COPD and asthma

Two teams together

When your haematologist and lung doctor share information, treatment is safer.

Breath by a window
Figure 3.Breath by a window — Leukemia + COPD and asthma

05Treatment with COPD and asthma

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Cough and temperature 38 °C or aboveInfectionContact your team now
Breathlessness risingFlare-upCall your team
Inhaler not helpingSevere attack103/112

07Key terms

COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Inhaler
A device that delivers medicine into the lungs.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I keep my inhaler?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I keep my inhaler?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. COPD
  2. MedlinePlus. Asthma
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. American Cancer Society. Typical Treatment of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  6. NHS. Blood transfusion
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Blood Transfusion and Donation
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). Hand hygiene
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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