HealthInfo Canterbury
What to do in a COPD flare-up
An attack of COPD symptoms, such as increased coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, or a change in the colour of your sputum (phlegm) is called an exacerbation (or flare-up).
- If you have a self-management plan or Blue Card, look at it to remind yourself what to do if your breathing is getting worse.
- Learn how manage breathlessness and practice breathing control techniques.
- Use your inhalers.
- Start your home supply of antibiotics, with prednisone steroid tablets, if you've been advised to by your GP for a flare-up. Make a note of what you've taken and when.
- If you do these things and aren't improving or are concerned, see your doctor. Most people with COPD flare-ups can be treated at home. But sometimes your doctor may feel it's more appropriate for you to be treated in the hospital.
- If you're getting better, see your GP a week after starting your antibiotics so they can assess your health and you can refill your emergency prescriptions.
- It may take up to a month before you feel normal again. Continue to keep active to maintain your strength.
Important
If you, or someone you're caring for, start feeling very short of breath when you're still, or feel very restless or drowsy, contact your general practice team urgently or phone 111 for an ambulance.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by community respiratory physician, Canterbury DHB. Last reviewed May 2017.
Review key: HICOP-16602
