Signs of a COPD flare-Up
• Changes in mucus color (yellow or
green), texture, and amount
• More mucus or difficulty coughing
up mucus from the lungs
• More severe cough or more
frequent coughing
• Cold or flu symptoms, such as:
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Runny nose
Sore throat
Achy feeling
Chills
Fever
Feelings of feverishness
• Increased shortness of breath with
activities or at rest There are steps you can take to
help avoid flare-ups.
• Wheezing or whistling sound in the
chest • Prevent infections by avoiding
germs and washing your hands
regularly.
• Watch for cold and flu symptoms.
Act quickly if things get worse.
• Maintain a regular exercise
program (to help you notice
smaller changes in lung function).
• Talk with your doctor about
changes in your symptoms.
• Create a plan with your doctor
for what to do if you get sick (an
Action Plan).
COPD flare-ups are treated by:
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• Changing your medications
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• Possibly adding oxygen
Adding oral corticosteroids and/or
antibiotics
Hospitalization, for serious flare-
ups
Call your health-care
provider if:
You are more short of breath
than usual
Your cough gets worse
You are coughing up more
mucus or having trouble
getting mucus up
Your mucus changes from
clear or white to green or
yellow
You are coughing up blood
or mucus with blood in it
You have fever or chills or
feel general achiness or
fatigue
Your sleep is very disturbed
or you are more sleepy than
normal
You are feeling confused
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