COPD Flare-Ups and Action Plan

COPD symptoms can worsen quickly. You may cough or wheeze more, produce more mucus or have difficulty breathing. You might also feel anxious and have trouble sleeping or doing your daily activities.

Causes

Certain illnesses, colds and lung infections from viruses or bacteria can lead to flare–ups. Other causes may include:

• Being around smoke or other pollutants
• Weather changes
• Doing too much activity
• Being run–down
• Feeling stressed or anxious

You can often manage a flare–up right away with medicines and self–care. Work with your doctor on an action plan for COPD flare–ups so you know what to do.

For more information about COPD flare–ups and action plans, see the "Living With" section of COPD.

When you enroll in our COPD DM program, your therapist or nurse will send you a COPD action plan that you can customize with your doctor. He or she can help you identify how flare–ups look for you.

Learn more and begin the enrollment process now.

Source: From COPD Flare–Ups, by the U.S. National Library of Medicine