Recognizing and Treating COPD Exacerbations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung conditions in the world. It’s characterized by inflammation in the bronchial tubes or alveoli in the respiratory tract resulting in shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing up phlegm (sputum). And while there is no cure for COPD, these symptoms can be significantly improved with a precise treatment plan created by your primary care physician or pulmonologist.

One key characteristic of COPD is its exacerbations. An exacerbation is similar to an asthma attack in that it involves a sudden flare-up of symptoms and depending on the severity of COPD, can often be life-threatening. If you or a loved one has COPD, taking steps to treat or prevent exacerbations is key to your overall well-being and happiness.

How To Prevent an Exacerbation

Avoid Getting Sick

One of the first things your doctor will stress when you are diagnosed with COPD is the importance of staying healthy and preventing sickness like the common cold, flu, or pneumonia. While these conditions may not pose a serious threat to someone without chronic illness, to someone with COPD, they can be life-threatening.

The main reason sickness can be so dangerous is because it leads to an increase in inflammation and mucus in the lungs which can trigger an exacerbation. If the sickness gets worse, the exacerbation will, in turn, get worse, so the sooner you can get better, the sooner you will experience relief from your COPD symptoms. 

To prevent getting sick, you should wash your hands frequently, get plenty of sleep, and maintain a diet with immune-boosting foods high in vitamin C and vitamin E. Another way to prevent getting sick is to stay up-to-date on your vaccines (immunizations). A vaccine works by exposing you to a weakened form of a disease that causes your body to produce antibodies. So, if you ever contract the disease, your immune system will be more prepared to fight it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that COPD patients get a regular flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccines.       

Exercise Frequently

Exercise is another key way to prevent COPD exacerbations. In short, the stronger and more efficient your lungs are, the better you will be able to cope with the symptoms of COPD. Most doctors recommend starting with a pulmonary rehabilitation program where you will be taught by professionals how to exercise effectively and safely. In these programs, you’ll also learn a lot about how your lungs work and what breathing exercises you can do to alleviate symptoms.

Avoid Air Pollution

Air pollution is an environmental trigger of COPD exacerbations. Airborne pollution like cigarette smoke, pollen, or car exhaust can all cause a flare-up in COPD symptoms so it’s important that you avoid them at all costs. Another factor many people don’t consider is the air quality of their home. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air within our homes can be even more polluted than the air outdoors. To improve air quality in your home, avoid using air fresheners and cleaning products with harmful chemicals, replace your HVAC air filters, and dust and vacuum more frequently. 

How To Treat an Exacerbation

Oxygen Therapy

Supplemental oxygen is one of the best ways to treat a COPD exacerbation. If you have COPD and you’re not already using an oxygen tank or oxygen concentrator, you should speak with your doctor about it. Since people with COPD have reduced lung function, oxygen therapy provides a patient with oxygen-rich air to breathe that can alleviate symptoms quickly.

Remember, exacerbations can happen anywhere, so it’s important that you have access to oxygen wherever you go. While you can buy portable oxygen tanks, portable oxygen concentrators are the most lightweight option available. Since portable oxygen concentrators draw in ambient air, there’s no need to lug around a bulky oxygen tank. You’ll just need to make sure you have a battery charged up and ready to go.

Go to the Emergency Room

It’s not uncommon to be hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation, especially during the later stages of the disease. An acute exacerbation, like one caused by air pollution, can often be the scariest because there may be little to no forewarning. All things considered, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you feel a flare-up in your symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. 

Conclusion

COPD exacerbations are responsible for many COPD-related fatalities, but they don’t have to be. Take the time to exercise each day, improve your diet, and avoid air pollution to significantly reduce your risk of exacerbation. And if you believe you’re currently experiencing an exacerbation, use supplemental oxygen and seek out a medical professional.