Facing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Have been diagnosed with a condition called COPD is important to know the situations are called "peaks" (or "exacerbations" or "infections of the chest") that are part of the disease for many patients. This text will help you understand what a flare, how to deal with and - most importantly - how to recognize warning signs.What is COPD?

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) mainly affects smokers or former smokers over 40 years.
• Smoking or other inhaled irritants (such industrial gases) for many years are the main reasons for causing inflammation in the airways. This leads to lung damage and the development of COPD.
• The inflammation in the airways may persist for many years and the reduction of this inflammation is very important for the treatment of COPD.
• Over the years breathing through the airways with inflammation becomes more difficult because the airways become narrow and creates more mucus than normal.
• Symptoms of COPD include breathlessness, chronic cough, spitting of phlegm, and wheezing.
• These symptoms may get worse over time, especially if you are a smoker and still smoking.

What is an exacerbation of COPD?

• When you have COPD may experience exacerbations, which your symptoms suddenly become worse.
• You may find that dysnpoia, coughing and wheezing getting worse or that your phlegm becomes thick and discolored - similar to a chest infection.
• The outbreaks vary in severity and gravity.
• Often treated at home, but you may need hospitalization so that they may be given oxygen, steroids and possibly antibiotics if you have a chest infection.
• An exacerbation of COPD is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization.
• The experience of having a flare can be painful, but the majority of patients will return to normal within a few weeks.

Symptoms of addiction:

• Increased wheezing
• Increased shortness of breath
• Increased cough
• Changes in the thickness and color of phlegm.

What causes outbreaks?

• COPD is caused by creating inflammation in the lungs, which increases during an outbreak.
• The outbreaks are often caused by chest infection or a common cold.
• Smoking, air pollution and changes in weather can also trigger an outbreak. But there are other reasons that are unknown.
• Patients may experience these outbreaks at all levels of COPD - some patients have two or more exacerbations per year, while others show no peaks.
• If you had an exacerbation in the past, then your doctor may recommend medications that can reduce the risk of experiencing another one.

Checklist to avoid exacerbations

• Remember to receive oral and inhaled medications you provided, not only to reduce daytime symptoms, but also to prevent future outbreaks.
• Avoid anything chieroterefei COPD, such as smoking.
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid people with colds or flu.
• Take the flu vaccine every year.
• Record and watch your symptoms on a calendar so you can locate any warning signs and take action early.
• Keep / store important phone numbers in an accessible location and call your doctor if you feel that surge comes.
• Discuss with your doctor to develop a management plan for COPD.

How can I reduce the risk of a resurgence?

• Infections are the main cause triggering outbreaks, so try to avoid:
• Stay healthy for you to fight infections.
• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you still smoke try to quit - your doctor can help you.
• The warning signs of a COPD exacerbation starting a few days before the actual outbreak, so it is advisable to keep a calendar to help you recognize them.
• Warning signs may be increased breathlessness and wheezing, sore throat, change in color and thick phlegm, fever, swelling of the ankles and a general feeling of weakness.
• When you feel a flare coming seek medical help immediately - this will help reduce the severity of the outbreak.
• Treatment of the early stages has been shown to reduce the duration of flares and also the possibility of emergency admission to hospital.
• After a spate wash their inhalers, nebulizers and the possible masks, to prevent recontamination.

How to deal with outbreaks;

• The flares are often treated at home with extra medication and rest.
• The doctor may also prescribe steroid tablets and / or antibiotics.
• Certain severe exacerbations may require hospitalization for a few days in order to watch carefully and you will be given oxygen if necessary.
• After an outbreak, your doctor may recommend more intensive treatment, including additional medication.

Maintaining your health, taking medicines as instructed by the doctor and the immediate reaction when you start to feel symptoms flare to help you avoid peaks or to run faster.