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COPD exacerbation: How long does it take to feel better?

COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Last Active: Jul 25, 2022 | Replies (23)
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@merpreb

@mrbill- I'm sad that you have had such a rough time. COPD flare-ups (exacerbations) are usually caused by a trigger such as air pollution or allergens, or a chest infection from a virus (cold or flu) or bacteria. And one flare-up often leads to another as both you and @marley1 have discovered. They are dangerous because they inflame the lungs and calming them down can take a long time.

Prednisone without food is a no-no. You bring up a wonderful point. We really need to be vigilant in protecting ourselves even in the hospital. I had the same reaction as you, being given medication without food and wound up vomiting all night after I was released. We need to ask questions about the medicines that are given to us no matter where you are.

One time I was with my sister at the hospital and the person who came in to administer her an inhaler didn't know what she was doing. I had to correct her. We can't be afraid to do this.

How are you doing now? Do you have to be on O2 all the time now?

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mrbill | @mrbill | Sep 3, 2020

You absolutely have to be your own advocate when it comes to health care. Ask questions, check medication, etc. I am also taking Zytiga for Cancer treatment. It seems you cannot bring your own meds to hospital. Had a difficult time convincing staff that I absolutely needed this drug. It was between me and further metastasis. Finally at hospital they let me bring it in and was administered by hospital pharmacist. After it took me some time to convince duty nurse I had to take one hour before food.
Even though I was scheduled for nebulizer four times daily, it was hit and miss till I said something.

No I am no longer on o2. Respiratory nurse said I should stay with treatment until I do 6 minute walk. Which I will not do within current environment. Since I left hospital care I do not use nebulizer either. If I felt some type of episode coming on I would use either nebulizer or rescue inhaler. But that has not happened. o2 levels stay between 93 - 98. The did give me an Airlife lung exercise device which I do use twice a day to improve lung capacity. Once again I am only a patient, and because I may do something against doctor's recommendation, it doesn't make it right.

Past experience has taught us a valuable lesson. When in doubt - question. You have to be your own advocate.

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