COPD flare-ups (also called exacerbations) happen when everyday symptoms suddenly get worse or new symptoms appear. They can be triggered by many things, and everyone's triggers can be a little different.
Here are the most common culprits:
- Smoke — cigarettes, vapes, campfires, fireplaces, and burn piles
- Strong odors Show Full Answer
COPD flare-ups (also called exacerbations) happen when everyday symptoms suddenly get worse or new symptoms appear. They can be triggered by many things, and everyone's triggers can be a little different.
Here are the most common culprits:
- Smoke — cigarettes, vapes, campfires, fireplaces, and burn piles
- Strong odors or fumes — cleaning products, perfume, scented candles, air fresheners, or vehicle exhaust
- Weather — extreme heat or cold, high humidity, wind, or sudden weather changes
- Environment — pollen, smog, air pollution, and dust
- Respiratory infections — flu, colds, sinus infections, and similar illnesses
- Skipping medication — not taking COPD medications as prescribed can make symptoms worse
A good way to identify personal triggers is to keep a detailed log of flare-ups and what was happening in the lead-up to them. Some triggers, like smoke or strong odors, can be avoided — others, like stormy weather, are trickier to escape. Members of MyCOPDTeam have shared their own experiences with triggers:
- One MyCOPDTeam member noted that monitoring air quality and avoiding the outdoors when levels are high made a big difference for them.
- Another MyCOPDTeam member found that humidity was a major trigger for their COPD symptoms.
- One MyCOPDTeam member shared that cold weather was a key trigger for their flare-ups.
Working with a pulmonologist to pinpoint specific triggers is a great step toward managing flare-ups more effectively.
April 25
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