Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it harder to breathe. Most people with COPD have periods when their symptoms are stable, but sometimes breathing suddenly becomes much worse. This is called a COPD exacerbation, or flare-up.
Understanding what causes a COPD exacerbation can help you avoid triggers, recognize a flare-up early, and get treatment before it becomes dangerous.
If you are struggling to breathe and need the nearest emergency room, Exceptional Emergency Center in Tyler is open 24/7 with an ER wait time of 15 minutes or less.
What Is A COPD Exacerbation?
A COPD exacerbation is a sudden worsening of symptoms beyond your usual day-to-day changes. During a flare-up, the airways become more inflamed, produce more mucus, and narrow further. This makes breathing harder and can lower the oxygen in your blood.
Flare-ups can range from mild, which may be treated at home, to severe, which may require emergency care or a hospital stay. Each flare-up can also cause lasting damage to the lungs, so preventing them is important.
What Causes A COPD Exacerbation?
1. Respiratory Infections
Infections are the most common cause of COPD flare-ups. Viruses such as the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 trigger many exacerbations, and bacterial infections can also play a role. This is why flare-ups are more common during the fall and winter.
2. Air Pollution
Ozone, smog, dust, and smoke can irritate the airways. East Texas also sees periods of poor air quality from wildfire smoke and agricultural burning.
3. Cigarette Smoke And Vaping
Smoking, including secondhand smoke, is one of the biggest triggers of COPD symptoms. Vaping can also irritate the lungs.
4. Weather Changes
Extreme heat and humidity, cold air, and sudden temperature changes can make breathing harder. Texas summers and passing cold fronts can both trigger symptoms.
5. Allergens
Pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander can inflame the airways, especially in people who also have asthma.
6. Not Taking Medicines As Prescribed
Skipping maintenance inhalers, running out of medicine, or using an inhaler incorrectly can allow symptoms to build up over time.
7. Other Health Problems
Heart failure, blood clots in the lungs, acid reflux, and anxiety can all make COPD symptoms worse or look like a flare-up.
Early Warning Signs Of A Flare-Up
- More shortness of breath: than usual for you.
- Increased coughing: especially with more mucus.
- Mucus changes: thicker mucus or a change to yellow, green, or brown.
- Wheezing or chest tightness.
- Fatigue: feeling more tired than normal.
- Trouble sleeping: because of coughing or breathlessness.
- Needing your rescue inhaler more often.
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What To Do During A Flare-Up
If you notice early signs, follow your COPD action plan. This may include using your rescue inhaler, starting prescribed steroids or antibiotics, and calling your doctor. Early treatment can keep a mild flare-up from becoming severe.
When To Go To The ER
Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you have:
- Severe shortness of breath, especially at rest.
- Trouble speaking in full sentences.
- Blue or gray lips or fingertips.
- Confusion, drowsiness, or trouble waking up.
- Chest pain or a racing heartbeat.
- A rescue inhaler that is not helping.
- Oxygen levels lower than your doctor’s target range.
In the ER, treatment may include nebulizer breathing treatments, steroids, oxygen, antibiotics, and sometimes breathing support such as BiPAP. Our emergency room tyler tx team offers on-site labs and imaging so your care team can find the cause of your flare-up quickly.
How To Prevent COPD Exacerbations
- Take medicines every day: even when you feel well.
- Use inhalers correctly: ask your doctor or pharmacist to check your technique.
- Get vaccinated: flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and RSV vaccines lower your risk of infection.
- Quit smoking: and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Check air quality: stay indoors on poor air days.
- Wash your hands often: especially during cold and flu season.
- Try pulmonary rehab: these programs improve breathing and strength.
- Keep an action plan: know what to do when symptoms change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Common Cause Of A COPD Exacerbation?
Respiratory infections, especially viral infections like colds and the flu, are the most common cause.
How Long Does A COPD Exacerbation Last?
Most flare-ups last about 7 to 10 days, but full recovery can take several weeks.
Can Stress Cause A COPD Flare-Up?
Stress and anxiety can make breathing feel harder and may worsen symptoms, though they are not usually the main cause.
How Many Exacerbations Are Normal?
Many people with COPD have one or two flare-ups a year. Having more often may mean your treatment plan needs to be adjusted.
Emergency COPD Care In Tyler, TX
COPD flare-ups can turn serious quickly, and fast treatment helps protect your lungs. Exceptional Emergency Center serves Tyler and the surrounding Smith County area with board-certified physicians and short wait times.
When breathing becomes difficult, visit our Tyler er any time, day or night. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 right away.