COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

When you have COPD:

• You have a cough that won't go away.
• You often cough up Reference mucus Opens New Window.
• You are often short of breath, especially when you exercise.
• You may feel tightness in your chest.

COPD exacerbation

Many people with COPD have attacks called flare-ups or Reference exacerbations (say "egg-ZASS-er-BAY-shuns"). This is when your usual symptoms quickly get worse and stay worse. A COPD flare-up can be dangerous, and you may have to go to the hospital.

Symptoms include:

• Coughing up more mucus than usual.
• A change in the color or thickness of that mucus.
• More shortness of breath than usual.
• Greater tightness in your chest.

These attacks are most often caused by infections—such as Reference acute bronchitis Opens New Window and Reference pneumonia Opens New Window—and air pollution.

Work with your doctor to make a plan for Reference dealing with a COPD flare-up. If you are prepared, you may be able to get it under control. Try not to panic if you start to have a flare-up. Quick treatment at home may help you manage serious breathing problems.

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