COPD exacerbation signs and symptoms
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
It is not just a ‘bad day’ - Exacerbations can happen more than once
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
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.
Get the COPD Exacerbation fact sheet for better management and tips
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
COPD 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
FAQs
Following an acute exacerbation of COPD, it will usually take a couple of weeks for your lungs to return to normal and inflammation to reduce. During this time, symptoms often show signs of improvement. However, recovery time depends on the severity of the exacerbation.9
Exacerbations have the potential to be life-threatening. If you have COPD, it’s important you seek medical attention immediately if you experience worsening symptoms during an exacerbation. This will help prevent potential complications and help ensure proper management of your disease.
COPD exacerbations can be treated at home or in hospital, depending on how severe they are.
Set up with your doctor, the self-management plan allows you to recognise the symptoms of an exacerbation and anticipate its management. It indicates the course of action to take in case of exacerbation. 11
With the help of healthcare professionals, you can implement the following to help prevent the progression of your COPD: 10,11
- STOP SMOCKING: Regardless of the stage of the disease, quitting smoking is the most important step you can take to protect your lungs and slow down COPD.
- FOLLOW YOUR LONG TERM-TREATMENT: Using your inhalers and medications correctly helps make breathing easier. Regularly check your inhaler technique with your nurse or local pharmacist. For additional support, watch helpful inhaler technique videos on the Asthma and Lung UK website.
- PREVENT INFECTIONS / GET VACCINATED: Protect yourself by getting recommended vaccines (flu, pneumonia or COVID-19) - they are usually free for people with COPD and are the best way to lower your risk.
- Ask your doctor if you need to see a lung specialist or be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation class
Resources
Keep a track of your COPD symptoms
Tracking your COPD symptoms helps you notice changes that may indicate your condition is not well-managed.
COPD Excacerbations (Flare-ups) explained
Understanding excacerbations doesn’t have to be complicated.
Related helpful information
Stages of COPD
Discover the different stages of COPD, their associated symptoms and how to manage them.
Learn about your own COPD
Self-assessment can help you start a conversation with your healthcare professional about your condition and how you can take positive steps to help manage your everyday symptoms.
COPD References
- 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.
- Kerkhof M, et al. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2020;15:1909–1918.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2024 Report. GOLD. 2024. Available at: https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report/ Date Accessed: Oct 2024.
- 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.
- 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.
- Managing COPD exacerbations in Primary Care Asthma+Lung UK https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/copd/exacerbations Date accessed: Oct 2024
- COPD in the UK: Delayed diagnosis and unequal care: The reality for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the UK in 2022.
- Managing COPD flare-ups What is a COPD flare-up (exacerbation)? | Asthma + Lung UK
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