Overview

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (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 (say "ig-ZAS-ur-BAY-shun").

A lung infection or air pollution could set off an exacerbation. Sometimes it can happen after being around chemicals.

Work with your doctor to make a plan for dealing with an exacerbation. You can better manage it if you plan ahead.

How can you care for yourself at home?

During an exacerbation

• Do not panic if you start to have one. Quick treatment may help you prevent serious breathing problems. If you have a COPD exacerbation plan that you developed with your doctor, follow it.
• Take your medicines exactly as your doctor tells you.
  • Use your inhaler as directed by your doctor. If your symptoms do not get better after you use your medicine, have someone take you to the emergency room. Call an ambulance if necessary.
  • 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 an exacerbation. This may help you get the medicine into your lungs quickly.
  • If your doctor has given you steroid pills, take them as directed.
  • Your doctor may have given you a prescription for antibiotics, which you can fill if you need it.
  • Talk to your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine. And call your doctor or nurse advice line if you have to use your antibiotic or steroid pills.

Preventing an exacerbation

• Do not smoke. This is the most important step you can take to prevent more damage to your lungs and prevent problems. If you already smoke, it is never too late to stop. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These may increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Take your daily medicines as prescribed.
• Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and influenza (flu).
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Get a flu vaccine each year, as soon as it is available. Ask those you live or work with to do the same, so they will not get the flu and infect you.
  • Get the pneumococcal and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines.
• Avoid second-hand smoke and air pollution. Try to stay inside with your windows closed when air pollution is bad.
• Learn breathing techniques for COPD, such as pursed-lip breathing. These techniques may help you breathe easier during an exacerbation.