Prevent and Recover from a COPD Exacerbation or Flare Up

Cigarette smoke is a major COPD trigger; however, all types of smoke can make it hard to breathe. Other sources of smoke can come from secondhand smoke, wood-burning fireplaces and burning leaves. If you smoke, you should quit. If you do not smoke, but are around secondhand smoke, try to avoid or limit your exposure. The American Lung Association offers several ways to help people quit. Contact the American Lung Association Lung HelpLine at 1-800-586-4872 to speak with a smoking cessation counselor.

TRIGGER EXAMPLES

• Cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette, or pipe smoke
• Fireplace, wood burning stove, campfire or leaf-burning smoke

Scents from perfumes, deodorants and cleaning supplies may trigger your COPD. When possible, choose cleaning and personal care products that are odor- or fragrance-free. If you use cleaning supplies or are around strong smells, keep the room ventilated by opening doors or windows. Learn more about indoor air quality. 

TRIGGER EXAMPLES

• Cleaning products
• Scented candles and incense
• Hairspray
• Air fresheners or sprays
• Depending on your occupation or job, you may be around dust, chemical gases or vapors and fumes. These exposures may cause your COPD to become worse. Talk with your healthcare provider and workplace safety advisor about ways to reduce your exposure. 

Wind, sudden changes in weather, and extreme temperatures (hot and cold) may trigger COPD symptoms. Sometimes people may have COPD, asthma or allergies. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to keep your asthma and allergies under control. 

Some tips to reduce your exposure to these triggers include before you leave your home, prepare for the weather and check the pollen count and air quality index. On windy or cold days, wear a scarf loosely around your face. On days where the temperature is hot or humid, use an air conditioner. 

TRIGGER EXAMPLES

• Cold, windy or stormy weather
• Sudden or extreme temperature changes (hot or cold)
• High humidity
• Pollen from weeds, trees and grass
• Air pollution, smog, vehicle exhaust and fumes

Respiratory Infections, such as a cold, flu or sinus infection, are the most common causes of triggering increased COPD symptoms and may lead to a COPD flare-up or exacerbation. Some ways to protect yourself include washing your hands often and avoiding people who are sick. You may also consider avoiding large groups or wearing a mask if you are around large crowds of people. The best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccine every year. You can also protect yourself by getting vaccinated against other infectious respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and pneumonia. Talk to your family and those around you to do the same.

TRIGGER EXAMPLES

• Respiratory infections (colds, flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, sinus infections)

Depending on the severity of your exacerbation, recovery may last a few days to several weeks. During this time, you will need to drink plenty of water and get extra rest.  

Your healthcare provider may recommend you take time off work to recover or limit your other obligations. When doing daily activities like dressing or bathing, you may need to pace yourself and take a break between activities. This is a time where you will want to conserve your energy, use breathing exercises, and ask your friends, family, and caregivers to help. 

Take your COPD medication and use supplemental oxygen as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Part of your recovery plan may include taking medication to help reduce your fever or additional medication to improve your COPD symptoms. If you are prescribed medication, take the entire course of your medications and do not stop taking medications just because you feel better without first talking with your healthcare provider.

Schedule a follow up appointment with your health care provider. As part of your discharge paperwork, your healthcare provider may have recommended you attend pulmonary rehabilitation, quit smoking or see a pulmonologist or lung specialist. Keep those appointments and follow through with those recommendations. If you do not have a COPD Action and Management Plan, talk to your healthcare provider about one at your next appointment.

During your recovery you may experience worsening symptoms. Early detection and treatment of these symptoms is very important. Symptoms may include a returning fever, tiredness, shortness of breath or cough, changes in your mucus color, thickness or amount, swelling in the legs, or chest pain. Do not delay contacting your healthcare provider or seeking immediate medical attention.