A COPD flare-up happens when COPD symptoms get worse, or when new symptoms develop. Flare-ups are also called exacerbations.
Flare-ups are one of the biggest reasons why people with COPD become disabled or have to be hospitalized. Flare-ups can be deadly.
To manage your COPD, you need to know:
How to prevent COPD flare-ups
- Take good care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Staying healthy will help your body fight infections.
- Wash your hands properly and often to reduce your chance of picking up germs and getting sick. This page explains all the steps of proper handwashing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Many people catch colds, flu, and other contagious respiratory (lung) infections by touching their face. They don't realize that there are germs on their hands that can make them sick.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- Take all of the medications prescribed by your doctor. Ask for help if you have questions about how or when to take medications or what they're for.
- Ask your doctor for a personalized written COPD action plan. A COPD action plan gives written instructions from your doctor on what to do when your symptoms flare up. Your COPD action plan will tell you what extra medicine to take, when to call the doctor, and when to go to the emergency department. Here is a blank COPD action plan (PDF) that you can fill out with your doctor.
- Get your flu shot every year. Ask your doctor if you need a pneumonia shot.
- Avoid triggers that can make COPD worse, like air pollution, tobacco smoke and breathing very cold or very humid air.
Warning signs and symptoms of a COPD flare-up:
- An usual increase in shortness of breath
- Mucus (phlegm) that is more yellow, green or brown than usual
- An increase in the amount, thickness or stickiness of your mucus (phlegm)
- Fever
- Symptoms of a cold, such as a head ache, runny nose, or sore throat
- Swollen ankles
- Feeling tired and generally unwell
What to do if you have these symptoms:
If you notice any of these symptoms, follow the advice in your written COPD action plan. If you don't know what to do or if your symptoms are getting worse, call your doctor. If you can't reach your doctor, go to the hospital emergency department.
Warning signs of a severe COPD flare-up - Call 911 if you have these signs:
- Chest pain
- Blue lips or fingers
- Confusion, can't think clearly, or very agitated (upset)
- Drowsy
- Very short of breath
Treatment for a COPD flare-up
It's very important that you treat your COPD flare-up as early as possible. If you treat a flare-up early, you are less likely to need hospital care.
To treat a flare-up, follow the advice above and the instructions in your action plan. There are medications to treat COPD flare-ups: learn more.
