What is an Exacerbation or Flare-up - COPD Foundation An exacerbation is a flare-up or episode when your breathing is worse than usual and may continue to worsen without treatment With COPD, you may be able to participate in the same activities for weeks or months without having worsening symptoms Then suddenly you may have a flare-up where your cough, shortness of breath, or mucus may increase This is often caused by a lung infection
What Is COPD Exacerbation and How To Prevent It A COPD exacerbation is when symptoms worsen rapidly A severe COPD exacerbation may require emergency medical care and can be life-threatening Some people with COPD end up in the hospital several