A COPD flare-up, or acute exacerbation, is a worsening of your COPD symptoms. Flares may require hospitalization; they also can be life-threatening. According to the American Lung Association, most are caused by respiratory infections, such as a cold, the flu, COVID, or a sinus infection, but dust, pollen, pollution, and other inhaled irritants also can trigger flares.
“If you have more severe COPD or your health is fragile, big changes in the weather also can cause a flare,” adds Dr. Beuther.
When a flare occurs, your airways swell more than usual. That narrows the passage that carries air through your lungs. More mucus also gets produced, and it may be thicker than normal. This further restricts your breathing. It also makes you cough and wheeze more, says Dr. Mina. Hyperinflation gets worse as you become less able to empty your lungs.
“The impact of hyperinflation on the respiratory muscles is more augmented at this point, so you get a worsening of your breathing pattern,” says Dr. Mina.
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