What to do during a lung attack
Treatment of a COPD attack depends on how bad it is. It may involve several visits to your doctor’s office or clinic. Or you may need to be treated in the hospital.
The actions listed below are purely informational. Consult with your doctor about what actions you should take.
Usually, the treatment of a COPD attack may include the usage of one of the following options:
- Quick-relief (short-acting) inhaled bronchodilators, which are medicines that relax the bronchial tubes and make it easier to breathe. These medicines may include:
- Anticholinergics
- Beta2-agonists
- Oral corticosteroid medicines, which reduce the swelling in your airways and may make breathing easier. They are typically given for 5 days to up to 14 days to those who aren’t already taking them as part of their long-term treatment.
- Ventilation devices, which are machines that help you breathe better or breathe for you. They are used most often in the hospital during COPD flare-ups.
- Oxygen, to increase the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Treatment may also include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids, to treat dehydration.
- Other bronchodilators for long term treatments, for instance.
- Diuretics, which remove water from the body by making your body produce more urine. These medicines are used if you are suspected of having heart failure.
- Antibiotics. People who have COPD have an increased risk of getting pneumonia and frequent lung infections. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help keep you from getting a bacterial infection.
When exacerbations happen, it’s easy to panic, so be prepared ahead of time. Write down all your emergency information on a sheet of paper and share copies with a designated emergency contact person and other trusted friends or family members.
Your COPD emergency information sheet should include:
Emergency plan instructions from your doctor.
The name of your emergency contact person who may be able to help you if you cannot help yourself. For example, they can drive you to the doctor or ER if you cannot drive yourself or find other transportation.
A list of your healthcare providers. Include names, phone numbers, and all relevant contact information.
A list of your medications so ER staff treating you can avoid administering drugs that may interact with your current meds.
Healthcare insurance information. Copy the front and back of your cards or write down your information, including name of insurance plan, Member ID, Group Number, and phone numbers for members and healthcare providers to call.