COPD is a group of chronic lung-related diseases that include emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Most people have a combination of both diseases, which can make breathing increasingly difficult and lead to poor lung function overall.
COPD can cause blockage in the airflow to and from the lungs and can destroy the alveoli, tiny air sacs in the lungs that get oxygen into the blood.
COPD Risk Factors
There is no cure for COPD, but it is preventable. Its main cause is smoking, so if you smoke, seek help to stop as soon as possible. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke and air pollutants.
In rare cases, people can develop COPD due to a rare genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This occurs when the body is unable to produce alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that protects the lungs. This leaves the lungs more susceptible to damage, so if you have been diagnosed with this disorder, it’s especially important to refrain from smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke and other environmental pollutants.
Women are more likely to report COPD than men. A history of respiratory infections or asthma can also increase your risk of developing COVID.
What Are the Symptoms of COPD?
Symptoms of COPD can develop and worsen over time as you lose lung function. Chronic signs and symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Symptoms of a COPD Flare-Up
COPD flare-ups occur when symptoms are more severe than your usual chronic symptoms. They can last for days at a time and, if severe, can lead to hospitalization. Signs and symptoms of COPD flare-ups include:
- Chest tightness
- Confusion
- Coughing with mucus or a change in mucus color
- Difficulty breathing or catching your breath
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Increased sleepiness
- Insomnia
- Lower tolerance for exercise
- Wheezing
COPD flare-up symptoms can range from mild to severe. If you are experiencing severe symptoms from COPD, call your health care provider or visit an emergency department right away. Severe COPD flare-ups can lead to respiratory acidosis, which is when the lungs can’t get rid of enough carbon dioxide in the body. Respiratory acidosis can cause body fluids to become acidic and lead to respiratory failure, shock and death.
COPD flare-ups can be caused by smoking, certain illnesses, air pollutants, weather changes or trying to be too active.
Action Plan for Flare-Ups
A COPD action plan provides steps to take when you experience a flare-up. As your condition changes, an action plan outlines what to do to help you manage worsening symptoms.
First, let’s review the COPD warning signs that you may be having a flare-up in this video:
A COPD action plan, developed with help from your health care provider, contains green, yellow and red zones with corresponding symptoms and instructions. Review your plan with your provider at each visit.
Green Zone
The green zone is when you’re feeling normal. You can keep up with your typical daily activities, and you aren’t coughing more than usual. You can sleep well at night, and you have a healthy appetite.
Your action plan for the green zone is:
- Avoid smoking or air pollutants
- Continue with regular exercise
- Take medications and use oxygen as normal
Yellow Zone
The yellow zone indicates you are having a COPD flare-up. Your symptoms may include:
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty breathing
- Feel like you need to use an inhaler more often
- Increased coughing
- Increased or thicker mucus or change in mucus color
- Insomnia
- Swelling in legs or ankles
- Unable to catch breath
When you are experiencing yellow zone symptoms, you may need to try COPD interventions, such as medication, supplemental oxygen or calling your health care provider. It would also be appropriate to visit Urgent Care.
COPD medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories can help you breathe better. Some medications may be taken separately or combined into one inhaler or nebulizer. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to keep on hand. Talk to your provider about what medications are best for you to take when experiencing flare-ups.
If you’re in the yellow zone, make sure to avoid any additional irritants, such as secondhand smoke or air pollutants. Get enough rest and try not to overdo any exercise or activity.
Call your health care provider if symptoms don’t improve.
Red Zone
The red zone is when you need immediate medical care. If you’re in the red zone, call 911 or go to the emergency department as soon as possible.
Red zone symptoms can include:
- Chest tightness or pain
- Confusion
- Coughing up blood
- Extreme drowsiness
- Fever
- Severe shortness of breath
- Unable to catch breath even when at rest
Know Your Baseline
Your action plan should include your general and baseline information such as your name, birthday, weight, emergency contact and your health care provider’s name and number. This could be important for friends and family or emergency medical providers.
Some other things to include in the baseline section of your COPD action plan include:
- Advance directives and healthcare power of attorney
- Medication list
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Oxygen levels when at rest and exercising
- Tobacco use
- Vaccine schedule
More to Read
- Making Sense of Emphysema and How It Affects the Lungs
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Breath of Fresh Air
- 4 Steps to Improve Your COPD
- Nutrition for Lung Health and COPD
Medically reviewed by Jason Heavner, MD.
