Speak to a doctor about managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) from home.
Access care and support tailored to your condition — all reviewed by Australian-registered doctors.
Living with COPD can be challenging, but managing it shouldn’t be. InstantScripts offers a confidential, doctor-reviewed service to help support symptom management and long-term care — without the need to visit a clinic.
Pre-existing COPD diagnoses
Ongoing symptom tracking and flare-up support
Doctor-reviewed treatment, assessed on a case-by-case basis
Dr Sarah, Chief Medical Officer InstantScripts
Every telehealth appointment is with an Australian-based doctor registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Let our doctors know why you’re requesting a consultation, create your InstantScripts account and complete your payment.
Our doctors will review your request and call you to discuss any concerns or questions you have.
If the doctor decides treatment is necessary, an eScript will be sent to your phone for you to collect your medication from any pharmacy in Australia, or alternatively, we can arrange delivery.
Let our doctors know why you’re requesting a consultation, create your InstantScripts account and complete your payment.
Our doctors will review your request and call you to discuss any concerns or questions you have.
If the doctor decides treatment is necessary, an eScript will be sent to your phone for you to collect your medication from any pharmacy in Australia, or alternatively, we can arrange delivery.
Managing a chronic condition like COPD can be overwhelming — but getting care shouldn't be. InstantScripts allows you to request qualified medical advice and personalised treatment options without the need for in-person appointments. Whether you’re managing flare-ups or stabilising your day-to-day symptoms, you’ll have the support of real doctors who understand what you’re going through.
Doctors review your COPD history, current symptoms, and any treatments you’ve tried
If appropriate, your doctor will recommend treatment suited to your current condition
Stay connected to your doctor with check-ins, treatment reviews, or updates to your treatment as needed
If approved, your prescription can be sent via SMS, email, or delivered to your door
Expert healthcare, right where you feel safest — at home. Skip the drive and crowded waiting rooms, and stay protected from illness.
Don't wait till the morning. Our doctors are here to help at any time, day or night.
If you need medication fast, we can deliver it to you in less than 4 hours*.
Expert healthcare, right where you feel safest — at home. Skip the drive and crowded waiting rooms, and stay protected from illness.
Don't wait till the morning. Our doctors are here to help at any time, day or night.
If you need medication fast, we can deliver it to you in less than 4 hours*.
*4-hour delivery only available to metro locations during specific windows.
Expert healthcare, right where you feel safest — at home. Skip the drive and crowded waiting rooms, and stay protected from illness.
Don't wait till the morning. Our doctors are here to help at any time, day or night.
If you need medication fast, we can deliver it to you in less than 4 hours*.
Expert healthcare, right where you feel safest — at home. Skip the drive and crowded waiting rooms, and stay protected from illness.
Don't wait till the morning. Our doctors are here to help at any time, day or night.
If you need medication fast, we can deliver it to you in less than 4 hours*.
*4-hour delivery only available to metro locations during specific windows.
No — asthma and COPD both affect your airways, but they are distinct conditions.
Asthma usually begins earlier in life and is often triggered by allergens or exercise, while COPD typically develops after long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke. However, it is possible to have both conditions — a situation sometimes called “asthma-COPD overlap.”
Symptoms of COPD often appear gradually and may not be noticeable at first. As the condition progresses, common signs include:
Persistent cough, often with mucus
Shortness of breath, especially during activity
Wheezing or chest tightness
Frequent chest infections
Difficulty with everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs
If COPD becomes more advanced, even simple tasks like dressing or cooking may feel difficult due to breathlessness.
The main cause of COPD in Australia and other high-income countries is long-term cigarette smoking. Even former smokers are still at risk, as lung damage can occur over time.
Other possible causes and risk factors include:
Long-term exposure to air pollution or workplace dust and fumes
A genetic condition called
Repeated respiratory infections
Worldwide, indoor air pollution from cooking fires is also a significant contributor to COPD, especially in areas with poor ventilation.
You should see a doctor if:
You’re getting short of breath doing everyday activities
You have a frequent or long-term cough
You’ve noticed increased mucus or wheezing
You’re recovering more slowly from colds or chest infections
Even mild symptoms can signal the early stages of COPD. The sooner you speak to a doctor, the sooner you can take steps to manage the condition and slow its progression.
Yes — InstantScripts allows you to request COPD prescriptions online, from the comfort of your home. If a prescription is considered clinically appropriate after review, it may be sent to you digitally or to your local pharmacy.
Adults in Australia seeking support for managing COPD — whether newly diagnosed or requiring ongoing support — can request care via InstantScripts.
If approved, your prescription can be sent directly to your nominated pharmacy or to you digitally.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. It occurs when damage to the lungs — often from smoking or long-term exposure to irritants — causes inflammation and blocks airflow. COPD includes two main conditions:
Emphysema, which affects the air sacs in the lungs and makes it harder to push air out
Chronic bronchitis, which causes irritation and mucus buildup in the airways
COPD is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow the condition’s progression.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Updated November 8, 2024. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd
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