Okay, let's talk about something that scares the living daylights out of most folks with COPD – those sudden, terrifying episodes where breathing goes from tough to nearly impossible. You know the feeling: one moment you're managing okay, the next, it feels like an elephant is sitting on your chest and breathing through a cocktail straw. That’s likely a COPD exacerbation. Honestly, understanding exactly what is COPD exacerbation isn't just medical jargon; it can be the difference between panic and knowing what to do, maybe even keeping you out of the hospital.
So, what is an exacerbation in COPD? Simple definition first: it's a sudden worsening of your usual COPD symptoms – way beyond your normal day-to-day ups and downs. Think of it as your lungs throwing a major tantrum. Your chronic bronchitis or emphysema (or both) flares up intensely, making breathing extremely difficult. Doctors officially define an exacerbation as an acute event characterized by a worsening of the patient's respiratory symptoms that is beyond normal day-to-day variations and leads to a change in medication. Sounds dry, right? The reality is far messier and more frightening.
What Exactly Happens During a COPD Exacerbation? The Inside Story
It's not just feeling "a bit more breathless." Inside your lungs, things are escalating quickly:
- Inflammation Overdrive: The existing inflammation in your airways goes haywire. Airways swell up more, narrowing dramatically. It's like traffic jams turning into complete gridlock.
- Mucus Mayhem: Your airways produce way more thick, sticky mucus than usual. This gunky stuff clogs the narrowed airways even further. Trying to cough it up feels exhausting and often ineffective.
- Bronchospasm Bonus: The muscles surrounding your airways tighten up viciously (bronchospasm), squeezing them shut even more. This is often the bit that feels like a vice grip around your chest.
The result? Airflow is severely restricted. Oxygen struggles to get in, carbon dioxide struggles to get out. No wonder you feel like you're suffocating. Knowing this process – understanding the physical reality of what is COPD exacerbation doing inside you – helps make sense of why your rescue inhaler might suddenly feel useless and why medical help can be crucial.
My neighbor, Frank, learned this the hard way last winter. He kept dismissing his worsening cough and breathlessness as "just a bad cold" mixed with his usual COPD. Big mistake. Ended up in the ER needing oxygen and IV steroids. He admits now he didn't really grasp what a true exacerbation felt like until it landed him there.
Spotting the Trouble: Classic Symptoms of a COPD Exacerbation
How do you know it's an exacerbation and not just a rough day? Look for these warning signs, especially if they appear suddenly or worsen significantly over hours/days:
| Symptom | What it Feels Like | Why it Happens | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) | Feeling breathless even at rest or with minimal activity you usually handle. Struggling to talk in full sentences. | Severe airway narrowing/inflammation limiting airflow. | High - Seek help. |
| Worsening Cough | Cough becomes more frequent, persistent, and harder to control. Feels uncontrollable. | Increased mucus production and irritation. | Moderate-High - Monitor closely. |
| Change in Sputum (Phlegm) | *Increase* in amount: Much more than usual. *Change in color:* Often turns yellow, green, or brown (suggests possible infection). *Change in thickness:* Becomes thicker, stickier, harder to cough up. | Increased mucus production; color change often indicates white blood cells fighting infection. | High - Color change usually warrants medical attention. |
| Wheezing | High-pitched whistling or squeaking sound when breathing, especially when breathing out. Louder than usual. | Air rushing through severely narrowed airways. | Moderate-High - Often indicates significant obstruction. |
| Chest Tightness | Feeling of pressure, heaviness, or constriction in the chest, like a band tightening. | Airway inflammation, bronchospasm, air trapping. | Moderate-High - Can be very distressing. |
| Fatigue & Weakness | Extreme tiredness, lack of energy, feeling wiped out just from breathing effort. | Body working much harder to breathe; possible low oxygen levels. | Moderate - Common but draining. |
| Fever | Elevated temperature (though not always present, especially in non-infective exacerbations). | Body's immune response, often to infection. | Moderate-High - Suggests possible infection needing treatment. |
| Confusion or Sleepiness | Feeling muddled, unusually drowsy, or difficult to rouse. *Serious Warning Sign!* | Likely severely low oxygen (hypoxia) or high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) levels affecting the brain. | EMERGENCY - Call 911 immediately. |
Notice how I put that last one in caps? Frank didn't have that, but his wife did during a bad exacerbation a few years prior. Scared them half to death. She was just... out of it. Thankfully, they called an ambulance fast. That confusion bit is no joke – it’s a huge red flag screaming that your body is in serious trouble.
The Triggers: What Sets Off a COPD Exacerbation?
Pinpointing the culprit can be tricky, but common instigators include:
- Respiratory Infections: The biggies. Viral infections (common cold, flu, RSV) cause about 50-70% of exacerbations. Bacterial infections (like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae) are also major players. Why? They massively ramp up inflammation and mucus in already vulnerable airways.
- Air Pollution & Irritants: Think heavy smog days, intense wildfire smoke, strong chemical fumes (cleaning products, paint, perfumes), dust storms, or even just high pollen counts. These particles irritate and inflame the airways directly.
- Weather Extremes: Very cold, dry air or very hot, humid air can irritate airways and trigger bronchospasm. Sudden temperature changes are notorious troublemakers.
- Failure to Stick with Medications: Skipping your maintenance inhalers (like long-acting bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids) leaves your airways unprotected and more prone to inflammation flare-ups. It happens – life gets busy, inhalers run out, routines slip. But consistency matters hugely.
- Other Factors: Sometimes severe stress, heart failure flare-ups (especially right heart failure linked to lung disease), or even unknown reasons can tip the scales.
Knowing your personal triggers is power. Frank realized his worst exacerbations often followed visits from his grandkids when they had sniffles – he loves them to bits but is much stricter now about handwashing and maybe wearing a mask if they're actively sick.
How Bad Is It? Understanding the Severity Levels (Mild, Moderate, Severe)
Not all exacerbations are created equal. Figuring out the severity helps guide what you need to do:
| Severity Level | Key Characteristics | Management Approach | Typical Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Exacerbation | Worsening of symptoms (breathlessness, cough, sputum) manageable with *just* an *increase* in your usual short-acting bronchodilator (like albuterol/salbutamol). No change in sputum color. You can still function fairly well at home. | Increase SABA use. Monitor closely. Contact doctor ASAP for advice/potential prescription (antibiotics/corticosteroids). | Home |
| Moderate Exacerbation | Worsening symptoms requiring medical intervention *beyond* just increasing SABA. Need for antibiotics and/or oral corticosteroids prescribed by a doctor. Sputum often changes color (yellow/green). Breathing is noticeably harder. | Medical consultation (Urgent Care, Doctor's Office). Prescription meds: Antibiotics (if infection suspected), Oral corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone 30-40mg daily usually for 5-7 days), possibly stronger inhaled meds temporarily. Strict monitoring. | Outpatient (Home + Doctor Visit/Rx) |
| Severe Exacerbation | Sudden, marked worsening requiring emergency room visit or hospital admission. Often includes acute respiratory failure (low blood oxygen - SpO2 < 88-90%, or high CO2), confusion, severe distress, inability to speak, cyanosis (bluish lips/fingertips). | EMERGENCY CARE. Oxygen therapy. Nebulized bronchodilators. IV corticosteroids. IV antibiotics (if infection). Possibly non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP) or even mechanical ventilation in ICU. Intensive monitoring. | Hospital (ER, Ward, ICU) |
Don't try to tough out a moderate or severe exacerbation at home. Seriously. Delaying treatment for a severe flare-up significantly increases the risk of complications and even death. This is a core part of understanding the danger inherent in a COPD exacerbation. Hospitalization sucks, I get it. But breathing is kind of essential.
What To Do When It Hits: Steps to Take During an Exacerbation
Panic is the worst companion. Having a plan is everything. Here's what to do step-by-step:
- Don't Panic (Easier Said Than Done, I Know): Anxiety makes breathing worse. Try pursed-lip breathing: Breathe in slowly through your nose (like smelling flowers) for 2 counts, then breathe out slowly through pursed lips (like blowing out a candle) for 4 counts. Repeat.
- Use Your Rescue Inhaler (SABA): Take your short-acting bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol/salbutamol) as prescribed. Usually, this means 2-4 puffs. Use your spacer if you have one – it makes a huge difference in getting the medicine deep into your lungs. Wait the recommended time between puffs (usually 1 minute). Assess if it helps.
- Check Your Action Plan: Your doctor should have given you a written COPD Action Plan (If not, demand one at your next appointment!). This is your personalized guide on what medications to step up based on your symptoms (yellow zone, red zone). Follow it.
- Assess Your Symptoms Severely: Honestly ask yourself:
- Is my breathing worse *right now* than it's ever been?
- Is my rescue inhaler not helping much, or its effect fading fast?
- Am I struggling to breathe even sitting still?
- Am I too breathless to talk, walk, or eat?
- Has my sputum changed color and increased a lot?
- Do I feel confused, dizzy, or extremely sleepy?
- Are my lips or fingertips turning blue?
- Call for Help: * Call 911 (or your local emergency number) IMMEDIATELY if: * You have severe shortness of breath at rest. * Rescue inhaler isn't working. * You feel confused, drowsy, or faint. * You have blue lips/fingertips (cyanosis). * You have chest pain. * Call Your Doctor/Respiratory Nurse Urgently (within hours) if: * Your symptoms are worse than usual but you can still manage basic activities. * You need to use your rescue inhaler much more frequently than usual. * Your sputum changes color/increases. * You feel generally unwell (fever, aches).
- Prepare for Medical Help: While waiting: * Sit upright (don't lie flat). * Keep using your rescue inhaler as needed (e.g., every 20-30 mins if severe, but follow action plan/doctor's advice). * Have someone gather your medications, oxygen prescription (if you use it), and your COPD Action Plan. * Try to stay calm and focus on pursed-lip breathing.
Having this plan written down somewhere visible – fridge door, bedside table – is smart. During the frantic moments of an exacerbation, clear instructions are gold.
How Doctors Diagnose a COPD Exacerbation
When you get medical help, here's what they'll likely do:
- History: They'll ask detailed questions: When did it start? How quickly did it worsen? What symptoms are worst? What's your sputum like? Any fever/chills? Any exposures? Any chest pain? What medications have you taken already?
- Physical Exam: Listening to your lungs (wheezes, crackles, reduced breath sounds?), checking oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter (SpO2), assessing your breathing effort, heart rate, checking for cyanosis, checking for signs of infection or heart failure.
- Pulse Oximetry: That little clip on your finger. Crucial for measuring blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). A reading persistently below 88-90% at rest during an exacerbation is a major red flag.
- Spirometry (Sometimes): Measuring lung function (FEV1) is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD, but it's often not reliable or practical during an acute, severe exacerbation. You might be too breathless to do it properly. It's more useful for stable periods.
- Chest X-ray: Might be done to rule out other problems like pneumonia, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or heart failure – which can mimic or complicate an exacerbation.
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG - in severe cases): A blood test (usually from the wrist artery) that gives precise, detailed information about oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, and your blood's acidity (pH). Vital in severe exacerbations to guide oxygen therapy and ventilation needs.
- Sputum Culture (Sometimes): If infection is suspected (especially if not responding to initial antibiotics), they might test your phlegm to identify the specific bacteria causing trouble.
- ECG & Blood Tests: To check heart function (heart strain is common during severe exacerbations) and look for signs of infection/inflammation (white blood cell count) or other issues.
Don't be shy about describing your symptoms in detail. Mention *everything* that feels off. Frank used to downplay things – "Oh, it's not that bad" – until a nurse called him out on it. Now he tells it straight.
Getting Through It: Treatment Options for COPD Exacerbations
Treatment depends entirely on the severity. The main goals are: open airways fast, reduce inflammation, treat infection if present, and support breathing.
Medications: The Core Weapons
- Short-Acting Bronchodilators (SABAs - e.g., Albuterol/Salbutamol; SAMAs - e.g., Ipratropium): First responders. Relax airway muscles quickly to open them up. Given frequently via inhaler with spacer or nebulizer (a machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist you breathe in) during acute attacks. Side effects: Can cause jitteriness, fast heart rate, tremor. Cost: Relatively cheap generics available (e.g., Albuterol HFA inhaler ~$30-$70 in US, varies widely).
- Systemic Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone): Workhorses for reducing airway inflammation. Usually taken orally (pills) for 5-7 days (e.g., Prednisone 30-40mg daily), sometimes given IV in hospital for severe cases. Crucial for speeding recovery and reducing relapse risk. Side effects: Increased blood sugar (especially if diabetic), mood swings, insomnia, fluid retention, increased appetite. Short courses minimize risks. Cost: Very inexpensive generics (~$10-$30 for a course).
- Antibiotics: Used if there's evidence suggesting a bacterial infection (e.g., increased purulent sputum - yellow/green - plus other symptoms like fever). Common choices: Doxycycline, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin), Azithromycin, or specific ones based on sputum culture. Important: Antibiotics are NOT needed for every exacerbation, especially purely viral ones. Overuse fuels resistance. Side effects: Diarrhea, nausea, yeast infections. Cost: Generic antibiotics are generally affordable ($10-$50 per course).
- Oxygen Therapy: Essential if blood oxygen levels are low (hypoxemia). Given via nasal cannula or mask. Must be carefully monitored, especially in COPD patients at risk of retaining too much CO2. Goal is usually to keep SpO2 between 88-92% (not 100%!). Cost: Coverage varies; home oxygen setups can be expensive without insurance.
- Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV - BiPAP/CPAP): For severe exacerbations with respiratory failure (high CO2). Uses a mask over nose/mouth to deliver pressurized air, helping you breathe more effectively and rest your breathing muscles without needing a breathing tube. Can be lifesaving and prevent ICU admission. Used in ERs and hospital wards.
- Mechanical Ventilation: In the most critical cases (severe respiratory failure, unconsciousness), a breathing tube is inserted into the windpipe and a ventilator machine breathes for you. This happens in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The choice and combination depend entirely on how sick you are. Mild exacerbation? Maybe just more SABA and a call to the doc. Severe? Expect the whole arsenal in the hospital.
Recovering From an Exacerbation: It Takes Time
Don't expect to bounce back overnight. Recovery can be slow and frustrating.
- Length of Recovery: Varies wildly. Mild exacerbation? Maybe a week or two to feel "back to baseline." Moderate or severe, especially requiring hospital stay? Can take 4-6 weeks or even several months to fully regain strength and lung function. Some people never quite get back to their pre-exacerbation baseline – each one can cause a step down.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR): Honestly, this is one of the BEST things you can do after an exacerbation, especially a hospital admission. It's a structured program combining supervised exercise training tailored to your ability, education about COPD, breathing techniques, and nutritional/psychological support. Proven to improve strength, endurance, breathlessness, anxiety/depression, and reduce future hospitalizations. Ask your doctor for a referral ASAP after discharge. Coverage (Medicare, insurance) is usually good if you qualify. Wait times can be a pain, though.
- Medication Review: After an exacerbation, it's vital to review your *maintenance* medications with your doctor. Was your regimen optimal? Does it need strengthening (e.g., adding a LAMA/LABA combo, adding an ICS)? Did you struggle with inhaler technique? Address this now!
- Rest and Pacing: Fatigue is profound. Listen to your body. Rest is essential. Pace your activities – do a little, rest, do a little more. Don't push too hard too soon.
- Nutrition: Breathing burns a lot of calories! Eat small, frequent, nutritious meals. Protein is important for muscle repair. Stay hydrated (thick mucus is harder to clear). Consider seeing a nutritionist if struggling.
- Mental Health: Exacerbations are traumatic. Anxiety and depression are common afterwards. Talk to your doctor, consider counseling, join a support group. It's not weakness; it's recovery.
Frank felt useless for weeks after his hospital stay. PR gave him structure and goals. He grumbled about going at first, but now credits it hugely with getting his strength back.
Stopping the Next One: Prevention is Your Superpower
This is where you take back control. Preventing exacerbations is the single most important goal in COPD management. Here's your prevention toolkit:
| Strategy | Action Steps | Why It Works | Personal Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stick Rigorously to Maintenance Meds | Take your long-acting inhalers (LAMA, LABA, ICS combos) *exactly* as prescribed, every single day, even when you feel okay. Use correct technique (get checked regularly!). Never run out. | Controls underlying inflammation and keeps airways open, reducing flare-up risk. It's your daily armor. | Set phone alarms. Use weekly pill boxes for oral meds. Refill prescriptions early. |
| Get Vaccinated | *Annual Flu Shot (Essential!)*. *Pneumococcal Vaccines* (Prevnar 13 & Pneumovax 23 - ask your doc about timing). *COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters*. Consider RSV vaccine if eligible. | Prevents (or lessens severity of) the respiratory infections that trigger most exacerbations. Non-negotiable. | Put vaccine dates in your calendar. Pharmacies often offer walk-ins. |
| Avoid Smoking & ALL Irritants | *Quit Smoking COMPLETELY* (if you still do). Avoid secondhand smoke. Minimize exposure to: Air pollution (check AQI, stay in on bad days), dust, chemical fumes, strong perfumes/cleaning products, pollen (keep windows closed). Use exhaust fans. Consider air purifiers at home. | Smoking is the #1 irritant & cause of COPD progression. Other irritants directly inflame airways. Reducing exposure minimizes triggers. | Hardest but most impactful. Get help quitting (meds, counseling). Mask (N95) in dusty/polluted/fume-filled environments. |
| Hand Hygiene & Infection Avoidance | Wash hands frequently with soap/water. Use alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid crowded places, especially during cold/flu season. Politely avoid close contact with sick people. Consider wearing a mask in high-risk settings. | Prevents picking up viruses/bacteria that cause infections triggering exacerbations. | Be that person who carries hand sanitizer everywhere. Don't feel bad about skipping gatherings if bugs are going around. |
| Have a Solid COPD Action Plan | Work WITH your doctor to create a written plan. Clearly defines:
| Empowers YOU to recognize early signs and act FAST with pre-agreed steps, preventing mild exacerbations from becoming severe. | Keep copies everywhere (wallet, fridge, phone). Review it with your doctor annually or after hospitalization. |
| Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) & Exercise | Complete a PR program. Continue prescribed exercises at home. Stay as physically active as safely possible (walking, chair exercises). | Strengthens breathing muscles, improves fitness and endurance, reduces breathlessness, boosts immunity, improves mental health. Proven to reduce exacerbation rates! | Think of it as essential medicine. Find activities you enjoy or can tolerate. |
| Regular Doctor Check-ups | See your pulmonologist or COPD-savvy primary care doctor regularly (e.g., every 3-6 months), even when stable. Discuss symptoms, meds, inhaler technique, oxygen needs (if any), action plan. | Allows fine-tuning of treatment, early problem detection, and reinforces prevention strategies. | Write down questions before your appointment. Bring your inhalers to check technique. |
| Healthy Lifestyle | Nutritious diet (plenty of protein, fruits, veggies). Stay hydrated. Prioritize good sleep. Manage stress (meditation, relaxation techniques, hobbies). | Supports overall health, immune function, and energy levels, making you more resilient. | Small changes add up. Focus on consistency over perfection. |
Prevention isn't sexy, but it works. Frank hasn't had a hospital admission since he quit smoking, got vaccinated religiously, and stuck to his meds and PR. It takes dedication, but the payoff – fewer terrifying episodes – is worth it.
The Long-Term Shadow: Why Preventing COPD Exacerbations Matters So Much
Exacerbations aren't just scary episodes; they actively damage your lungs and health over time.
- Accelerated Lung Function Decline: Each significant exacerbation can cause a permanent drop in your lung function (FEV1) that you never fully recover. Think of it like taking a step down a staircase with each bad flare-up.
- Reduced Quality of Life: The fear, the hospital stays, the long recovery – it takes a massive toll physically and mentally. Activities become harder, social life shrinks, anxiety increases.
- Increased Mortality Risk: Severe exacerbations, especially those requiring hospitalization, significantly increase the risk of death. The more frequent and severe they are, the higher the risk. Preventing them is literally life-saving.
- Economic Burden: Hospitalizations are incredibly expensive (think tens of thousands of dollars per stay). ER visits, extra medications, missed work – it all adds up hugely.
Understanding what is COPD exacerbation means recognizing it's not just a bad day; it's an event with serious long-term consequences. Protecting your lungs from these flare-ups is protecting your future quality and length of life.
Your COPD Exacerbation Questions Answered (FAQ)
Q: What does a COPD exacerbation feel like?
A: Imagine your usual COPD breathing difficulties suddenly getting dramatically worse. It feels like suffocating – intense shortness of breath even at rest, a tight band around your chest, uncontrollable coughing often with thicker/yellower/greener phlegm, loud wheezing, and extreme exhaustion just from the effort of breathing. It's frightening.
Q: How long does a typical COPD exacerbation last?
A: There's no single "typical." Mild exacerbations might start improving within a few days of starting extra treatment and resolve fully in 1-2 weeks. Moderate exacerbations often take 1-2 weeks to start improving and 4-6 weeks or longer for full recovery. Severe exacerbations requiring hospitalization can take weeks to months to recover from, and some lung function loss may be permanent. Recovery is often slower than you expect.
Q: Can a COPD exacerbation kill you?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Severe COPD exacerbations, especially those leading to respiratory failure (where oxygen levels drop dangerously low and/or carbon dioxide builds up excessively), can be fatal, particularly if treatment is delayed. This is why recognizing the severe warning signs (confusion, blue lips, severe breathlessness at rest unrelieved by inhaler) and seeking EMERGENCY care immediately is absolutely critical.
Q: How many puffs of albuterol can I take during an exacerbation?
A: Follow your personalized COPD Action Plan! Generally, for acute shortness of breath, taking 4-8 puffs of albuterol (via spacer!) is common, repeated every 20 minutes for the first hour if needed in a severe attack while seeking help. However, the maximum safe dose varies. If you find yourself needing significantly more than prescribed frequently, or it's not helping, you MUST seek medical attention – it indicates the exacerbation is worsening beyond home management. Never ignore ineffective relief.
Q: What's the difference between a COPD exacerbation and pneumonia?
A: They can feel similar and sometimes pneumonia *triggers* a COPD exacerbation. Pneumonia is an infection specifically within the lung tissue (alveoli), causing inflammation and fluid buildup. Symptoms include high fever, chills, sharp chest pain worsened by breathing, and cough often with rusty or bloody sputum. A COPD exacerbation primarily involves worsening airway inflammation and mucus (bronchial tubes). Symptoms are more focused on severe airflow obstruction - breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, increased/colored sputum. Pneumonia usually shows a distinct area of infection on a chest X-ray, while a pure exacerbation often doesn't. Both are serious and often require medical evaluation to distinguish and treat appropriately.
Q: Can stress cause a COPD exacerbation?
A: While stress isn't usually the *primary* trigger like an infection, it can absolutely play a significant role. Severe anxiety or stress can trigger hyperventilation, worsen breathlessness perception, and potentially lead to bronchospasm (airway tightening). Stress also weakens the immune system over time, making you more susceptible to the viral infections that commonly cause exacerbations. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, counseling, or support groups is an important part of prevention.
Q: How soon after starting steroids (Prednisone) should I feel better during an exacerbation?
A: Oral corticosteroids like prednisone work relatively quickly to reduce inflammation. Many people start noticing some improvement in breathlessness and cough within 24-72 hours after starting them. However, it usually takes several days (3-5 is common) to feel significantly better, and the full benefit might take the entire course (5-7 days). Don't stop them early just because you feel a bit better! Finish the prescribed course to fully suppress the inflammation.
Q: Is it normal to feel extremely tired for weeks after a COPD exacerbation?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Post-exacerbation fatigue is incredibly common and can be profound. Your body has been through a major physiological stress – fighting inflammation, dealing with low oxygen, the sheer effort of labored breathing, the metabolic toll of illness. Recovery takes significant energy. This fatigue can linger for weeks, sometimes months, especially after a severe exacerbation or hospitalization. Be patient, rest, pace yourself, prioritize good nutrition, and discuss it with your doctor. Pulmonary Rehab is excellent for rebuilding strength and combating this fatigue.
Look, living with COPD is tough enough. But truly understanding what is COPD exacerbation – recognizing the signs early, knowing what to do instantly, and ruthlessly focusing on prevention – gives you power. It reduces fear. It keeps you out of the hospital. It protects your lungs for the long haul. Be proactive, be prepared, and don't hesitate to shout for help when you need it. Your breathing depends on it.