When you have COPD, it’s possible that you’ll experience a worsening of your existing symptoms or develop new symptoms. For example, you may suddenly have more trouble or make more noise when you’re breathing.
A flare-up of your symptoms, also known as an exacerbation, is often associated with a lung infection caused by a virus or bacteria, such as a cold. Dirty or poor-quality air can also trigger an exacerbation.
It’s very important to know the warning signs that an exacerbation is coming so that you can avoid any additional distress and prevent your COPD from getting worse.
There are no tests or x-rays that can be used to diagnose an exacerbation. Only you can monitor for the signs in yourself and know if your symptoms are intensifying. Pay close attention when things change.
Please contact your doctor right away if you or your loved one with COPD is showing any of the following symptoms:
Changes in mucus. You may notice a change in the color of your mucus (sputum) from clear to colored (deep yellow, green, or brown) and/or an increase in the amount of mucus that you bring up.
Noisy breathing. Your breathing makes strange noises. Wheezing suggests mucus or pus is blocking your airways. Gurgling or rattling could mean there’s fluid in your lungs.
Irregular breathing. You feel like you have to use your chest muscles to breathe instead of your diaphragm. Your breathing becomes uneven. Sometimes, your chest moves a lot faster; sometimes, it’s much slower.
Worse coughing. It’s more severe, or you cough more often than usual. It could be dry or bring up yellow, green, or bloody phlegm. It gets worse when you lie down — so much that you may have to sit in a chair to sleep.
Changes in skin or nail color. You see a bluish tint around your lips or notice that your nails seem blue or purple. Your skin looks yellow or gray.
Trouble sleeping and eating. You can’t sleep, and you don’t feel like eating.
You can't talk. You're unable to get any words out. You have to use hand gestures to let someone know something’s wrong with you. This is a late and dangerous sign of worsening breathing.
Early-morning headaches. You start the day with a throbbing head because of a buildup of carbon dioxide in your blood.
Swollen ankles or legs, or belly pain. These symptoms are linked to problems with your heart or lungs.
Fever. A higher temperature could be a sign of infection and an oncoming flare-up.
When to Get Emergency Care
Your flare-up could become very severe. You might not have enough time to wait for a visit to your doctor’s office. Call 911 if you have these symptoms:
Chest pain
Blue lips or fingers
You’re confused or get very easily upset
You’re so short of breath that you can’t talk or lie down
Severe COPD flare-ups can be life-threatening, so taking immediate action is important with these symptoms.
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