If you have been diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)It is important to know about COPD exacerbations. These events can be serious and even life-threatening. Learn how to spot a COPD flare-up and what to do if you think you may be having it.
What is COPD?
A COPD exacerbation is when you have a lot of symptoms that last more than a day and don’t go away with rest and using an inhaler. These events are sometimes called COPD flares or lung attacks. Common symptoms of a COPD exacerbation include:
- Worsening of breathing
- Increased frequency or intensity of coughing
- Increased sputum production
- Fever
What causes COPD flare-ups and how can I prevent them?
COPD is a disease caused by chronic lung damage. While some COPD flare-ups are not triggered by anything, many others are triggered by external factors. Avoiding these stressors and triggers can help you avoid COPD flare-ups. Some common factors include:
- Respiratory tract infectionssuch as colds, flu and pneumonia
- Allergyincluding pollen, mold and animal dander
- Air qualityy, such as extreme heat or cold and high or low humidity
Knowing your physical activity limits, wearing masks when pollen is present, and getting vaccinated for COVID-19, RSV, shingles, and the flu can help you avoid preventable COPD flare-ups.
What should I do if I think I’m having a COPD exacerbation?
Not all cases of wheezing or coughing are true COPD attacks. COPD exacerbations last more than 24 hours and can only be officially diagnosed by a medical professional.
If you have more than 24 hours of worsening COPD symptoms, see your family doctor. Consider going to the emergency room or emergency room if you can’t see your primary care doctor quickly and if you have symptoms such as a fever or significant breathing problems. If you believe you are in an active health emergency, call 911.
How will doctors treat my COPD flare-ups?
Your doctor will treat your COPD exacerbation based on the cause and your daily COPD treatment regimen. If you have an infection, they can treat it with antibiotics or antiviral drugs. You may also be treated with steroids, which can help reduce inflammation.
During your visit, your doctor will recommend a visit one week after your discharge. They can also help you identify triggers for COPD flare-ups, refer you to a lung specialist, and even review inhaler technique to help prevent future flare-ups.
