If you live with a chronic lung condition like asthma or COPD, you likely know the tell-tale signs that a flare-up is coming on. But pinpointing the trigger isn’t always easy — especially during cold and flu season.
Upper respiratory infections like a cold, the flu, or COVID-19 can all cause an uptick in symptoms for people who have chronic lung conditions. But other irritants can be to blame, too. And if you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, you also might not be sure about the best way to manage it.
The truth is, you should always treat new or worsening lung symptoms seriously when you have asthma or COPD. In some cases, the situation can become life-threatening — I’ve seen this happen in my practice as a pulmonary nurse practitioner. Here’s what I want my patients with chronic lung conditions to know about flare-ups as we navigate the winter months.
What causes chronic lung flare-ups
Asthma or COPD-affected lungs are chronically inflamed and irritated to begin with. So when a person with either condition comes into contact with a lung irritant, it tends to make their symptoms worse than normal. The result can be a flare-up or an exacerbation of symptoms that becomes hard to control.
When you’re flaring, you might experience:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
I tell my patients that many different things can inflame and irritate the lungs and lead to flare-ups. While upper respiratory infections are among the most common culprits, certain environmental irritants can also be triggers. These can include:
- Cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke
- Strong odors from cleaning products, scented candles, or perfumes
- Sudden changes in weather, including extreme temperature changes or high humidity
- Seasonal allergens like pollen
- Air pollution or smog
- Work-related dust, chemical gases, or vapors
Respiratory illness vs. flare-up: How to tell
Sometimes my patients ask me how to tell the difference between upper respiratory symptoms and an asthma or COPD flare-up. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to do that. That’s because upper respiratory infection symptoms often trigger and overlap with chronic lung symptoms.
That said, there may be ways to tell whether your flare is stemming from an infection or something else. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that a flare-triggering illness usually causes additional symptoms that aren’t related to your breathing. That can include things like:
- Nasal congestion
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Thick green, yellow, or even blood-tinged mucus
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Sinus pain
- Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Loss of smell or taste (for COVID-19)
If your flare-up is triggered by an environmental irritant, your breathing symptoms will still get worse. But you likely won’t feel sick otherwise. You might also find that your symptoms start to improve once you get away from the irritant.
When lung symptoms need urgent care
It’s important to take note of new or worsening symptoms when you have asthma or COPD, regardless of what may be causing them. If you notice your breathing or coughing is getting worse, you should follow your COPD or asthma action plan to a tee. That might include increasing the frequency of your maintenance therapies or adding additional treatments like a rescue inhaler, nebulizer treatment, or oxygen. If you are unsure of your action plan, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Sometimes these measures at home will be enough to get your lung symptoms under control. But if you’re not seeing an improvement or your symptoms continue to worsen, you should call your doctor. They may want you to come into their office or to an urgent care location near you for an evaluation.
If they suspect your flare-up is coming from an infection, they might also prescribe an antibiotic or antiviral drug. These medications can help reduce your risk for serious complications, including hospitalization.
In some cases, upper respiratory infections can become life-threatening, even when you follow your lung treatment plan. So it’s crucial to know which signs warrant going to the emergency room. Lung condition red flags include:
- Trouble breathing, which may be marked by the ribs or stomach moving in and out rapidly
- Chest pain
- Trouble walking or talking due to shortness of breath
- Quick-relief medications not working
- Racing heart
- Nails, lips, or face turning blue
- Dizziness, confusion, or disorientation
- Sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep
- Sense of anxiety or impending doom
Remember, too, that there are things you can do to protect yourself from infection-causing flare-ups in the first place. Keeping up with your seasonal vaccines helps reduce your risk for complications from the flu and COVID-19. So check with your doctor to see when you’re due for your updated shots. Your health is worth it.
Get help for your chronic lung condition
The medical experts at Temple Lung Center can help you manage your COPD, asthma, or other lung condition to help you breathe more easily — and reduce your risk for flare-ups. Book a visit with one of our specialists today by calling 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or go online to schedule an appointment.
