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An elderly woman sits with a book on her lap, looking out the window.

Every exacerbation can make your COPD worse

COPD symptoms can affect your daily routine and your long-term plans, but with the right management, they may not have to.1 Know more about how to recognise when your management plan is not doing enough.

The circular flow diagram, which states that the occurrence of outbreaks leads to a greater risk of outbreaks and therefore more outbreaks

It is not just a ‘bad day’

Without proper management of your COPD, there is an increased risk of faster progression, which can increase the chances of an exacerbation occurring. Exacerbations have the potential to be life-threatening and if you are experiencing reoccurring exacerbations, seek advice and guidance from your healthcare professional.2-4

The circular flow diagram, which states that the occurrence of outbreaks leads to a greater risk of outbreaks and therefore more outbreaks
Man discussing talking with his healthcare professional - stock photo
Man discussing talking with his healthcare professional - stock photo

Each exacerbation increases your risk of another exacerbation5

Whilst the symptoms of COPD may gradually worsen over time, you may also experience exacerbations (also known as “flare-ups”). This is a sudden worsening of your everyday symptoms which can result in irreversible lung damage and disease progression. Symptoms include:6,7

  • Increased breathlessness
  • Increased cough and wheeze
  • Coughing up more phlegm (mucus) than usual

This may not be a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms of a COPD exacerbation. Always consult your healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms, as they can help determine the cause.

You deserve the right care and the right information to help you manage your condition and take back control in your life.

Speak to your healthcare professional if you experience a noticeable worsening of your symptoms to reduce the risk of a COPD exacerbation and irreversible lung damage.2,8

Senior counselor working her patient - stock photo

Keep a clear record of your exacerbation, including the duration, symptoms, and severity, to show to your healthcare professional

Make notes of when you are using your additional treatments, such as your ‘rescue pack’ . Take a look at Resources for helpful tools to track your COPD progression.

Your healthcare professional may use the terms “mild”, “moderate”, and “severe” when talking about the severity of your exacerbations you have experienced.

Senior counselor working her patient - stock photo

Mild

Mild exacerbations

You have an increased need for medication, which you can manage at home.⁷⁻⁹

Moderate

Moderate exacerbations

You have a sustained worsening of breathlessness that requires you to use additional treatments.⁷⁻⁹

Severe

Severe exacerbations

You experience a rapid deterioration of your symptoms that requires hospitalisation or visits to A&E.⁷⁻⁹

Learn more about how to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations
An elderly man sitting on a bench outside.
An elderly man sitting on a bench outside.

Management options you may be familiar with

To help manage your symptoms, you may have been prescribed treatments like inhalers, oral steroids, antibiotics, or oxygen therapy.8 These can be effective for many people, but if your symptoms are not getting any better it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.2,8

See Living with COPD to find out more

Resources

A smiling woman with her dog on her lap sits on the steps of her house. - stock photo

Keep a track of your COPD symptoms

Tracking your COPD symptoms helps you notice changes that may indicate your condition is not well-managed.

Download your symptom tracker

COPD References

  1. What can you do to manage your COPD? Asthma + Lung UK. May 2022. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/what-can-you-do-manage-your-copd. Date accessed: Oct 2024.
  2. Kerkhof M, et al. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2020;15:1909–1918.
  3. Prevent and Recover from a COPD Exacerbation or Flare Up. American Lung Association. Jul 2024. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/living-with-copd/prevent-flare-ups Date accessed: Oct 2024.
  4. Support for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. House of Commons Library. Nov 2021. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2021-0188/ Date accessed: Oct 2024.
  5. How should I diagnose an acute exacerbation of COPD? NICE CKS. May 2024. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/diagnosis/diagnosis-acute-exacerbation/ Date accessed: Oct 2024.
  6. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2024 Report. GOLD. 2024. Available at: https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report/ Date Accessed: Oct 2024.
  7. Living with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NHS. Apr 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/living-with/ Date accessed: Oct 2024.
  8. Treatment Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). NHS. Apr 2023. Available from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/treatment/. Date accessed: Oct 2024.
  9. Managing COPD exacerbations in Primary Care Asthma+Lung UK https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/copd/exacerbations Date accessed: Oct 2024