What to Do When You Have a COPD Flare-Up
If you have COPD, your usual shortness of breath could suddenly get worse. You may start coughing more and have more mucus. This flare-up is called a COPD exacerbation or a COPD attack.
A lung infection or air pollution could set off an attack. Or it may happen after a quick change in temperature or being around chemicals. You may not always know the cause.
What are the warning signs?
When you have a COPD flare-up, your normal symptoms suddenly get worse:
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You may have more shortness of breath and wheezing.
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You may have more coughing with or without mucus.
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You may have a change in the color or amount of the mucus.
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You may have a fever.
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You may feel very tired.
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You may be depressed or confused.
Don't panic
Don't panic if you start to have a flare-up. If you are prepared, you may be able to get it under control. Work with your doctor to make a plan for dealing with a COPD attack.
Take your medicines as your doctor says:
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First, use your quick-relief inhaler. If your symptoms don't get better after you use your medicine, have someone take you to the emergency room. Call an ambulance if necessary.
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With inhaled medicines, a spacer or a nebulizer may help you get more medicine to your lungs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use them properly. Practice using the spacer in front of a mirror before you have a flare-up. This may help you get the medicine into your lungs quickly.
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If your doctor has given you steroid pills, take them as directed.
Call 911 if:
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You also are having chest pain.
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You feel like you are suffocating.
After treatment, most people recover. They have the same amount of shortness of breath they had before the flare-up.
