COPD

[TpTe]

Good morning, I have been tested for COPD since 2017. I am taking BREO Ellipta & Spiriva in the mornings, also Salbutamol HFA 100UG when needed. Now I have had these these two flareups. First one was about a year ago. I just woke up finding it really hard to breathe, like I had a band rapped around my chest & had these really bad coughing fits. Of course being the gut I am , I waited 2weeks before saying anything to anybody. Than had to check into hospital because it was not going away. They gave me antibiotics & preadazone . I am now on my second flare up , which started with a head cold, than the coughing fits. Back to the hospital for the same treatments & meds. I was given his new hand held Device, ( Aerobika ), to reduce COPD flare ups. Just wondering if anybody has any words of wisdom to help with my smile. Have a beautiful day & keep on smiling. Terry

[R2B_John Moderator]

Two quick comments:

- When you notice an exacerbation (flare-up) coming on, call or message your doctor right away. Hopefully, he will prescribe a short regimen of oral steroids and antibiotics to stop it in its tracks and avoid hospitalization.

-Aerobika devices work well to help expel mucus build-up. This helps keep the airways more open.

John

[Jocopd]

My advise is get it before it puts you in the hospital next time. Flare ups are an unfortunate part of COPD.

Do you use a general physician or a pulmonologist?

Most of the doctors who deal with COPD will prescribe you the "packet" if you call them when it first starts. You will get a course of antibiotics and usually prednisone.

The antibiotics help keep further infection from starting and the prednisone helps reduce inflammation.

Some patients will even be prescribed the packet to have on hand at the pharmacy or at home to take when the flare up starts. That way they don't have to go to the hospital.

Other doctors are very cautious with the Prednisone since its really not the best thing to be on long term.

Overall while hospitalization is sometimes necessary with COPD - most of us try to avoid getting exposed to all the sick people there. COPD messes with your immune system so you can catch stuff easily. So the doctors will set us up with the flare up packets.

By all means go to the hospital if needed, I don't want anyone to not go based on something I said here! And your Doctor may feel that only one or two flare ups do not call for the packet.

Do what you can to avoid flare ups - exercise - there are special COPD/lung exercise we do and walking is a huge help. Drink lots of water. Stay away from sick people.

[H2o1511]

Good advice on here,,,and keep on smiling that beautiful smile!