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How to spot COPD flare-ups

Many COPD flare-ups are due to an infection. They can put you at risk of hospitalization.

Learn how to spot them early on.

COPD flare-ups: How to spot trouble

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), symptom flare-ups could put you in the hospital. However, knowing the warning signs of a flare-up can help you take action to protect your health.

Learn how to spot a flare-up.

Head symptoms:

• Fever.
• Confusion.

Throat symptoms:

• Increased mucus.
• Mucus that is yellow, green, tan or bloody.

Chest symptoms:

• Wheezing or increased wheezing.
• Increased coughing.
• Increased shortness of breath.
• Shallow or rapid breathing that's worse than usual.

Feet/ankle symptoms:

• Swelling in your feet or ankles.

Avoiding flare-ups:

• Don't smoke. And avoid other triggers, like pollution and dust or fumes at work.
• See your doctor and dentist regularly, even when you feel fine.
• Get a flu shot every year.
• Ask a healthcare provider about pneumonia and pertussis shots.
• Avoid crowds during cold and flu season to lower your risk of infection.
• Drink plenty of water to help keep mucus thin and prevent it from building up in your lungs.
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer to keep germs away.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose to prevent infection.
• Get plenty of sleep, because you're more likely to get sick when you're tired.

Handling a flare-up:

As soon as you experience signs of a COPD flare-up, contact a healthcare provider. He or she may be able to prescribe medications to prevent hospitalization.

Sources: American Lung Association; American Thoracic Society; COPD Foundation