Exacerbations, or flare-ups, are an unavoidable part of having COPD. And sometimes they are severe enough to require a hospital stay. That's the bad news. But the good news is exacerbations can be treated, and there are steps you can take to avoid getting too sick too often. Jan, Jean, and our health experts talk about all things exacerbations and making a successful transition from hospital to home.

Visit our website for links and resources: HealthUnmuted.com

List of Resources

COPD360Social, social media support group: https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Get-Involved.aspx   

My COPD Action Plan, from COPD Foundation: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx#MyCOPDActionPlan 

For more information about support groups for COPD: 

Healthline's list of support groups: https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/support-groups-for-severe-copd 

For more information about flare-ups: 

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/what-is-a-copd-flare-up

Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/steps-for-managing-copd-flare 

MedlinePlus.gov: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000698.htm

For more information about making the transition from hospital to home: 

COPD Foundation: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Person-with-COPD/Hospital-to-Home.aspx 

For more information on COPD medications and oxygen therapy: 

COPD Foundation list of treatments and medication: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Person-with-COPD/Treatments-Medications.aspx   

WebMD - What are Treatments for COPD? https://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/what-are-treatments-for-copd  

Healthline - COPD Drugs: A List of Medications to Help Relieve Your Symptoms: https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/drugs 

COPD Foundation information on oxygen therapy: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Person-with-COPD/Oxygen-Therapy.aspx 

American Lung Association information on oxygen therapy: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy