Hi again, GK. Take a look on Google for a COPD Action Plan. There are a couple good ones to give you an idea of the steps you can take to counter a "Flare-up" ( temporary, but sudden changes in breathing functions) compared to an "Exacerbation" (lingering or extreme issues likely related to internal infections). Your Doc will help fill in the blanks and draft a plan for you based on the things you experience on the "not good" days.

Our home meds, fluid intake and breathing exercises help to a large extent keep things balanced.. Some docs will give prescriptions for stronger meds once you understand exactly how a Flare-up might progress to become a worse situation. Simple things like daily temperature, O2 readings, and regular schedule for your meds will be a good clue for when something is really off. When in doubt, never hesitate to go to an Urgent Care center or a Video visit with your Doc's office for a second opinion.

Had you not had the response you did to your self-treatment, that would have indicated a trip to the ER. You did a great job getting through this episode, but if you hadn't responded as quickly as you did, a trip to the ER should have been next. Good for you!

Spot on, @A MyCOPDTeam Member.

Forgot about the breeze from a fan.
Often ride with windows open in car to decrease the need for Oxygen use while traveling.

ps. Cough drops seem to help too.

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A MyCOPDT...

Hi GK. I agree with Rolland. I would add a couple of things. First, you should have a pulse oximeter to measure your O2 saturation, especially when you are short of breath. Or if you want to monitor your O2, some rings and watches constantly will do this for you. They have alarms if your O2 drops below minimums. If you go that way, you might be able to head off and know when you need to stop and rest.

The main reason to have one is when you have a flare-up or chest tightness; you can monitor your O2 saturation; if it drops below 90 and stays under 90, that would be an excellent time to consider going to urgent care or the ER. If it continues to drop and gets to 85, call 911. The lower it goes and stays, the more severe it is.

Second, ask your Doctor for a nebulizer. You can use it when your chest tightens up. This is one protocol ER or Urgent Care use and how I learned about them. My grandson has asthma and has one too. Getting your airways open is essential; having one at home will help you lessen the tightness and get your O2 up. Then you can evaluate.

Third, if you are short of breath, I have a small fan, handheld or desk model; I hold it in front of my face; it helps my breathing return to a resting rate.

The important is to talk with your pulmonologist, go over everything available to you, and have them get them for you. Educate yourself; Doctors hardly ever go over "what if." They may or may not have a checklist for you. The American Lung Association is an excellent place to start.

I wish you all the best and better breathing.

When my coughing and breathing are out of control I call on my personal superman! I lean forward a bit in my chair and he gently pats my back with the goal for me to try and hold the rhythm with my breathing. It may take a few minutes to get it going, but eventually I’m breathing along with him patting my back. Having something to concentrate on can really help. I find that if I try to use my inhaler when I’m gasping and coughing it’s a waste of time, so this works for me. Music can help too if you don’t a personal superman! Wishing you well.