Search
Site Search
About CHAM
Who We Are
Our Mission
Our Values
CHAM Leadership
In the Community
News
Community Events
Inside CHAM
CHAM Connections
CHAM Mentions
Bronx Locations
US News & World Report
Health Library
Patient Health Library
Refer a Patient
Find a Doctor
Find a Clinical Trial
SIGN IN TO MYCHART
Ways to Give
Volunteer
Volunteering at CHAM
Why Support Montefiore
Donate
Toggle menu
Specialties & Programs
Pediatric Specialties
View Specialties
Adolescent Medicine (Gynecology, Menstrual disorders, Contraception, Eating disorders, Obesity)
Allergy and Immunology
Anesthesiology
Cardiology (Heart)
Cardiothoracic Surgery (Heart)
Community and Population Health
Craniofacial Surgery
Critical Care Medicine
Dentistry
Dermatology (Skin Disorders)
Developmental Medicine (Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Autism, ADHD, Developmental Delays and Mental Health)
Emergency Medicine
Endocrinology & Diabetes
Fetal Medicine (High Risk OB/GYN)
Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Liver Disease, Liver Transplant
General Pediatrics (Academic General Pediatrics)
Genetics (Inherited Diseases, Rare Diseases, Genetic Counseling)
Heart
Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Cellular Therapy
Hepatology (Liver Disease)
Hospital Medicine
Infectious Disease (Vaccines, Complex Infection and Antibiotic Management)
Neonatology (Premature and Sick Newborn Care)
Nephrology (Kidney Disease, Hypertension, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant)
Neurology (Seizures, Neuromuscular and Brain Diseases, Muscular Dystrophy, Rhett Syndrome)
Neurosurgery
Ophthalmology (Eye and Vision)
Orthopedics (Bones and Joints)
Otorhinolaryngology (Ears, Nose, Throat)
Plastic Surgery
Psychiatry (Therapy for Mental Health Problems, Depression, Psychiatric Diseases)
Radiology,X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT, interventional procedures
Respiratory and Sleep Medicine (Lung and Breathing Problems, Asthma, Sleep Apnea)
Rheumatology (Lupus, Juvenile Arthritis, Childhood Autoimmune Diseases)
Surgery
Urology (Kidney, Ureter and Bladder)
PROGRAMS & CENTERS
View All Programs & Centers >
For Patients & Families
Getting Here
Your Hospital Visit
Neighborhood Services
Visitors
Community Events
Support Services
Paying For Your Visit
FAQs
Find A Doctor
Get Directions
For Health
Professionals
Refer A Patient
Residency and Fellowship at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore
Nursing At CHAM
Grand Rounds
Careers
L.E.A.D. Program
Staff & Alumni Association
Quality & Performance Improvement
CHAM Leadership
Medical Student Education
Clinical Pathways
Research
Child Health Research at CHAM
Improving Child Health Across Disciplines
Clinical Trials
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
Preventive Intervention Research Center for Child Health (PIRC)
IMPLEMENT
Home
Health Library
Health Library
<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeFocus HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a> </p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">COPD Flare-Ups</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw164243-sec"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="b4cb0a40" fingerprint-exact="e7c3d1bb">Overview</h2><p fingerprint="23739165" fingerprint-exact="43daaaed">Sometimes your symptoms may get worse over a short time and stay bad. This is called a COPD exacerbation (say "ig-ZAS-ur-BAY-shun") or flare-up. A flare-up can be dangerous, so it's important to know what to do and take action. Your doctor can help you make a plan to manage flare-ups. </p><p fingerprint="6b97f621" fingerprint-exact="d2b5a3b8">Symptoms of a flare-up include:</p><ul fingerprint="9df5997d" fingerprint-exact="c904d569"><li>More shortness of breath than usual. </li><li>Coughing more than usual. </li><li>A change in the amount, color, or thickness of mucus. </li></ul><h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="2979b834" fingerprint-exact="e00ac552">What causes them?</h3><p fingerprint="64df424a" fingerprint-exact="e30a5b9e">Many irritants or triggers can cause your symptoms to get worse over a short time. Common causes of a COPD flare-up are <span>respiratory tract</span> infections such as colds, flu, and <span>pneumonia</span>. Other causes include indoor and outdoor air pollution such as smoke, fumes, and soot. </p><h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="b9a3f9f0" fingerprint-exact="086c641d">What happens during a flare-up?</h3><p fingerprint="1f9972c4" fingerprint-exact="8dd3ae08">When you have a COPD flare-up, your airways get irritated. Airflow in and out of your lungs is reduced. It gets harder to breathe. Your symptoms get worse over a short time and stay bad. Symptoms may get better with medicines and care at home. Sometimes care is needed in the hospital.</p><h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="b8c52623" fingerprint-exact="f7c452a6">How are they treated?</h3><p fingerprint="12687660" fingerprint-exact="e8be4ac1">Treatment of a COPD flare-up, or exacerbation, depends on how bad the flare-up is. Mild flare-ups may be treated by following your doctor's instructions for using a quick-relief (short-acting) inhaler or oral steroid medicines. More severe flare-ups may involve visits to your doctor's office or clinic. Or you may need to be treated in the hospital. Treatments include:</p><ul fingerprint="ce29dcf1" fingerprint-exact="7c936d6b"><li>Quick-relief <span>inhaled bronchodilators</span>. These medicines relax the bronchial tubes and make it easier to breathe. </li><li>Oral steroid medicines. They help your lungs work better. </li><li>Oxygen, to increase the amount of oxygen in your blood. </li><li>A machine to help you breathe better or to breathe for you. These are called ventilation machines. </li></ul><p fingerprint="11bb42a9" fingerprint-exact="7ac1e418">Treatment may also include:</p><ul fingerprint="9c3a6729" fingerprint-exact="7270e0ce"><li><span>Intravenous (I.V.)</span> fluids to treat <span>dehydration</span>. </li><li>Other bronchodilators. </li><li><span>Antibiotics</span>. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help treat a bacterial infection. </li></ul></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionRelatedInformation" id="sec-hw164243-RelInfo"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="d5f858e0" fingerprint-exact="c0ffe04b">Related Information</h2><ul fingerprint="bfc2ce07" fingerprint-exact="df945f0b"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Major" data-hw-document-href="hw32559" data-hw-section="aco6248" hw:document-type="Major" hw:document-href="hw32559" data-hwid="hw32559" hw:section-href="aco6248" href="?id=hw32559#aco6248">COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)</a></li><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="zx3637" data-hw-section="zx3637-sec" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="zx3637" data-hwid="zx3637" hw:section-href="zx3637-sec" href="?id=zx3637#zx3637-sec">COPD: Handling a Flare-Up</a></li></ul></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwCreditsSection HwCreditsWithoutNavstack HwSectionCredits" id="sec-hw164243-Credits"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle">Credits</h2><div class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span> October 25, 2024</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</span></a><br><span><b><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Clinical Review Board</span></a></b></span><br>All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentBottom"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigation"><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:block" id="secNav-hw164243-sec"><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="hw164243" data-hw-section="hw164243-RelInfo" id="nextLink-hw164243-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="hw164243" data-hwid="hw164243" hw:section-href="hw164243-RelInfo" href="?id=hw164243#hw164243-RelInfo">Related Information</a><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true"> »</span></div><div class="HwClear"> </div></div><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:none" id="secNav-hw164243-RelInfo"><div class="HwContentNavigationPrev"><p>Previous Section: </p><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true">« </span><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="hw164243" data-hw-section="hw164243-sec" id="prevLink-hw164243-sec" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="hw164243" data-hwid="hw164243" hw:section-href="hw164243-sec" href="?id=hw164243#hw164243-sec">Overview</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="hw164243" data-hw-section="hw164243-Credits" id="nextLink-hw164243-Credits" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="hw164243" data-hwid="hw164243" hw:section-href="hw164243-Credits" href="?id=hw164243#hw164243-Credits">Credits</a><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true"> »</span></div><div class="HwClear"> </div></div><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:none" id="secNav-hw164243-Credits"><div class="HwContentNavigationPrev"><p>Previous Section: </p><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true">« </span><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="hw164243" data-hw-section="hw164243-RelInfo" id="prevLink-hw164243-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="hw164243" data-hwid="hw164243" hw:section-href="hw164243-RelInfo" href="?id=hw164243#hw164243-RelInfo">Related Information</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div><div class="HwClear"> </div></div></div><div class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span>October 25, 2024</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</a></p><p><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><span><b>Clinical Review Board</b></span></a><br>All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar2"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationTop"> </div><div class="HwElement" id="HwNavigationWrapper"><div class="HwNavigation" id="HwNavigation" role="navigation"><h3 class="HwNavStackHeader" id="HwNavStackHeader">Topic Contents</h3><ul aria-labelledby="HwNavStackHeader"><li id="nav-hw164243-sec"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="hw164243" data-hw-section="hw164243-sec" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="hw164243" data-hwid="hw164243" hw:section-href="hw164243-sec" href="?id=hw164243#hw164243-sec">Overview</a></li><li id="nav-hw164243-RelInfo"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="hw164243" data-hw-section="hw164243-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="hw164243" data-hwid="hw164243" hw:section-href="hw164243-RelInfo" href="?id=hw164243#hw164243-RelInfo">Related Information</a></li><li id="nav-hw164243-Credits"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="hw164243" data-hw-section="hw164243-Credits" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="hw164243" data-hwid="hw164243" hw:section-href="hw164243-Credits" href="?id=hw164243#hw164243-Credits">Credits</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="HwNavigationWrapper HwNavigationEmpty"> </div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationBottom"> </div><div class="HwElement" id="HwMediaItemsWrapper"><div id="HwMediaItems"><ol class="HwMediaItemList"><li class="HwMediaItem HwMediaItemTopicImage" id="HwMediaItem-abn0386"><a class="HwMediaItemLink" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="abn0386" rel="MultiMedia video 00:01:49" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="abn0386" data-hwid="abn0386" hw:name-href="Avoiding COPD Triggers" href="?id=abn0386#"><img class="HwMediaImage" data-hw-resource-path="media/thumbnails/abn0386_media_lib_thumb.jpg" hw:resource-path="media/thumbnails/abn0386_media_lib_thumb.jpg" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/thumbnails/abn0386_media_lib_thumb.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt hw:release-quarter="14.6"><span class="HwMediaTitle">Avoiding COPD Triggers</span></a></li><li class="HwMediaItem HwMediaItemTopicImage" id="HwMediaItem-abp2491"><a class="HwMediaItemLink" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="abp2491" rel="MultiMedia video 00:02:02" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="abp2491" data-hwid="abp2491" hw:name-href="COPD: Take This Chance to Quit Smoking" href="?id=abp2491#"><img class="HwMediaImage" data-hw-resource-path="media/thumbnails/abp2491_media_lib_thumb.jpg" hw:resource-path="media/thumbnails/abp2491_media_lib_thumb.jpg" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/thumbnails/abp2491_media_lib_thumb.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt hw:release-quarter="14.6"><span class="HwMediaTitle">COPD: Take This Chance to Quit Smoking</span></a></li><li class="HwMediaItem HwMediaItemTopicImage" id="HwMediaItem-abo7280"><a class="HwMediaItemLink" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="abo7280" rel="MultiMedia video 00:01:30" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="abo7280" data-hwid="abo7280" hw:name-href="COPD: Taking Medicines After a Flare-Up" href="?id=abo7280#"><img class="HwMediaImage" data-hw-resource-path="media/thumbnails/abo7280_media_lib_thumb.jpg" hw:resource-path="media/thumbnails/abo7280_media_lib_thumb.jpg" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/thumbnails/abo7280_media_lib_thumb.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt hw:release-quarter="14.6"><span class="HwMediaTitle">COPD: Taking Medicines After a Flare-Up</span></a></li><li class="HwMediaItem HwMediaItemTopicImage" id="HwMediaItem-abo3369"><a class="HwMediaItemLink" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="abo3369" rel="MultiMedia video 00:02:27" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="abo3369" data-hwid="abo3369" hw:name-href="Using Oxygen Therapy at Home" href="?id=abo3369#"><img class="HwMediaImage" data-hw-resource-path="media/thumbnails/abo3369_media_lib_thumb.jpg" hw:resource-path="media/thumbnails/abo3369_media_lib_thumb.jpg" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/thumbnails/abo3369_media_lib_thumb.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt hw:release-quarter="14.6"><span class="HwMediaTitle">Using Oxygen Therapy at Home</span></a></li></ol></div> </div></div></div></div><div class="HwBlock" id="HwFooter"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwCustom HwColumn" id="HwCustomFooterLeft"> </div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwFooterLegal"><div class="HwLegal HwElement" role="contentinfo"><div class="HwLogo"><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><img class="HwNoHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"><img class="HwHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"></a></div><div class="HwDisclaimer"><p>This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the <a href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/terms.aspx">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/privacy.aspx">Privacy Policy</a>. Learn <a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en">how we develop our content</a>.</p></div><div class="HwOptionalLogo"><div class="HwLogo"><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><img class="HwNoHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"><img class="HwHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"></a></div></div><div class="HwCopyright"><p class="HwCopyrightLink">To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit <a href="https://www.webmdignite.com/">webmdignite.com</a>. </p><p>© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. </p></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom HwColumn" id="HwCustomFooterRight"> </div></div></div><div class="HwCustom HwBlock" id="HwCustomFooter"> </div></div>