If you have had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for a long period, you may have gone through acute respiratory symptoms flare-ups, or exacerbations. Breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing are signs of an exacerbation of COPD. These symptoms may necessitate emergency care if not given prompt and cautious attention.
COPD flare-ups can be unsettling and frightening, but they often have implications that go beyond the actual episode. According to research, you’ll require more hospital stays if you encounter more exacerbations.
You can keep on top of early indications of an attack, improve your health, and stay away from unnecessary doctor visits by learning how to prevent and manage exacerbations.
Symptoms of a COPD flare-up
Your airway and lung functions alter drastically and fast during a COPD exacerbation. Your bronchial tubes may suddenly get clogged with more mucus, or the muscles that surround your airways may tighten noticeably, cutting off your supply of oxygen.
Some signs of a COPD flare-up:
- Breathlessness or breathing difficulties.
- Deep breathing or gasping for air
- Wheezing.
- When you breathe, if you hear a wheeze or whistling sound, the air is being
forced through a more restricted space.
- Increase with mucous. You might start coughing up more mucus, and it might not be the same kind as normal, in color.
- Fatigue or issues with sleep. exhaustiveness or sleep issues can signal that your body is receiving less oxygen through your body and lungs.
- Cognitive impairment. confusion, sluggish processing speed, depression, or memory lapses may indicate low brain oxygen levels.
Stop waiting for your COPD symptoms to get better. It’s important to take the right medication as soon as possible if you’re having trouble breathing and your symptoms are growing worse.
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Five steps to controlling a COPD flare-up
Reviewing the COPD action plan you and your doctor prepared should be done first when you suffer a COPD flare. It probably specifies particular steps to take, dosages to take, or drugs to take in order to control a flare.
1. Utilize a fast-acting inhaler.
Inhalers for relief or rescue function by delivering a strong stream of medication directly to your congested lungs. You should be able to breathe a little easier with an inhaler as it will instantly relax the tissues in your airways.
Beta2-agonists and anticholinergics are typical short-acting bronchodilators. If you combine them with a nebulizer or a spacer, they will start to work more efficiently.
2. Utilize oral corticosteroids to lessen swelling.
Corticosteroids decrease edema and could aid in opening up your airways to allow more air to enter and exit your lungs. Your doctor may suggest corticosteroids for a week or longer after a flare-up to help reduce inflammation if they aren’t already part of your treatment regimen.
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3. Increase your body’s oxygen intake by using an oxygen tank.
If you regularly use extra oxygen at home, you might wish to use the supply if a flare occurs. It is advisable to adhere to the COPD action plan that your doctor has created and make an effort to relax in order to control your breathing while you are taking in oxygen.
4. Change to mechanical fixation.
Rescue medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and oxygen therapy may not always be enough to reduce your exacerbation symptoms to an acceptable level.
You might in this case require a mechanical intervention, where a machine helps you breathe.
It’s advisable for you to get assistance if you realize that your at-home remedy isn’t providing you with relief. Have a family member or friend phone the ambulance on your behalf. To assist reduce your symptoms after you get to the hospital, you might require an intravenous bronchodilator like theophylline.
Additionally, you might need an IV to refresh your body and medications to combat lung infections like pneumonia.
When an unexpected event sets off your symptoms, discussing rescue medication with your doctor is crucial.
5. Boost your immune system and lung health by taking a healthy lung supplement that can strengthen your body.
Lignosus supports breathing and improves lung functions naturally. It can help manage asthma symptoms and help with shortness of breath so you can sleep better at night.
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Lignosus Organic Tiger Milk Mushroom is a 100% organic lung supplement that can help to:
- Support Lungs, Sinus & Bronchial Health
- Relieve Cough & Phlegm
- Cleanse & Detox Lungs
- Improve Breathing
- Defense Against Colds & Respiratory Infection
- Strengthen Respiratory Immunity
- Open Airways
- Relieve Asthma Symptoms
- Relieve Nasal Congestion
- Improve Respiratory Allergies
- Healthy Mucus Production
- Relieve Symptoms of Sore Throat and Strep Throat
Fortunately, following taking action to control their symptoms, the majority of people resume breathing normally.
To lessen your symptoms during an episode, strive to maintain your composure. But if you feel overburdened, seek assistance straight away.