brand-logo

Acute episode of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD flare-up

Low urgency
Very commonModerately severe
Worsening of chronic airflow limitation, secondary to an increase in inflammation and mucus in the airways. The most common cause of decompensation is respiratory infections due to viruses or bacteria. It manifests with an increase in regular coughing and sputum production that may be accompanied by progressive worsening of breathing capacity and wheezing. It is diagnosed by medical history, blood tests and imaging tests of the lungs. The cause must be treated as soon as possible by starting antibiotic therapy when a bacterium is the cause. More severe cases may require lung ventilation to ensure the correct concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. It is a disease that leads to many consultations and hospital admissions.
Bibliographic references
  1. John J. Reilly, Jr., Edwin K. Silverman, Steven D. Shapiro. Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1700:1708.
  2. MeiLan King Han, Mark T Dransfield, Fernando J Martinez. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Definition, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and staging. UpToDate. Apr 08, 2016.
  3. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of COPD, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2016. www.goldcopd.org (Accessed on March 17, 2016).
  4. Buist AS, McBurnie MA, Vollmer WM, et al. International variation in the prevalence of COPD (the BOLD Study): a population-based prevalence study. Lancet 2007; 370:741.
  5. Han MK, Agusti A, Calverley PM, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease phenotypes: the future of COPD. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 182:598.
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults--United States, 2011. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2012; 61:938.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Shortness of breath at rest

    Greenish-yellow sputum

    Coughing up more than usual

    Short of breath

    Daytime sleepiness

Symptoms to watch out for

Difficulty breathing
A feeling of shortness of breath
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Cough with blood or pus
Palpitations

Self-care

Reduce tobacco consumption.
Talk to your primary care physician about the prescription of anticholinergic bronchodilators and short-acting beta-2 agonists.
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of antibiotics.
Take expectorants and mucolytics.
Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
Get regular physical activity at least 3 times a week that is appropriate for your age and physical condition.
Get vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal disease, pertussis, and COVID 19.
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of oral corticosteroids.
Mediktor logo