I suffer from COPD and Depression. I do know that I have alot of exacerbation and I do think the two go hand in hand. Thanks for the post.
HUGS,
Debi

Anxiety and Panic Attacks In Emphysema/ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) this page may help http://mindpub.com/PanicAttacksinCOPD_chapter11.htm

Thank you so much, So I'm not loosing it,and it's common, Wow! thanks again.
Blessings.
James

Good topic, I had mentioned it earlier this week, I agree the two seem to go hand in hand, my doctor will not refute it, he also said it;s a fact and there are meds that can help people through this, it is especially bad and depressing for me when Digi won't let Marge out of the trunk for impossible long periods of time, I hope this changes soon....Good Post, Thank You

This is very helpful, Holly. Yes, I believe they go hand in hand.
Hugs, Sue

Thanks for the info,when I have more than a few days without interaction with friends or activities ,that depression is on me and I often don't get up until noon. today was a good day, but when your body won't let do want you want to do, it can make you so sad or sometimes very angry. Not the same thing you are talking about, but this is what I wanted to say....you have all been there ,I,ll bet

I had a series of exarcabations from August thru January. It started small and I ended up on antibiotics every month and finally wised up and quit smoking December 8th.

I am happy to report I did not had another one until approximately the end of February at which time I didn't realize it, but I had the beginnings of pneumonia. Because of my symptoms, the doctor sent me for a chemical stress test and echocardiogram, which took 3 weeks before the stress test came back negative and he finally sent me for just a chest xray. I had been so sick I could barely get up and down, had to have my husband help me shower and couldn't stay on my feet for more than a few minutes before feeling as if I would faint. I was wearing my CPAP during the day just to get enough air.

I got so depressed both times that I just didn't care if I lived or died at that point. Which scared me AND my husband AND my kids. Thank God Dr Kirkland gave me Omnicef antibiotic. It cleaned all the bacteria out for sure as my system was so clean I think I lost about 6 or 7 pounds in the first week. I am still on antibiotics now, but a weaker one...(thank you Jesus!)

Being sick for as long as I was brought me down so bad. I could have died had Dr Kirkland not done the chest xray. I am blessed to be here and I am going to enjoy it as long as I can.

I can only write of my personal findings: Emphysema; Major Depression; and Complex PTSD. I have the one, two, three punch.
Anxiety and depression rule my life. This has cost me all of my friends. I live a life of isolation; with no hope on the horizon.
PLEASE GET HELP, before you end up like me. PLEASE, do not suffer alone, like I have done.
IF, I did not have my little dog with me; I would be alone in the world.
My life is filled with fear and deep grief. I never expected my life would ever be what is has become. PLEASE GET HELP.................
I am almost begging all of you to seek medical help; so that you do not end up like me. Best wishes to all.

i do not know what exacerbation means, would you explain it to me please

Good Question: COPD Exacerbation: Defined
In its simplest terms, an exacerbation is a worsening of symptoms. In more in-depth terms, a COPD exacerbation can be defined as an event in the natural course of the disease characterized by a change in the patient's baseline dyspnea, cough, and/or sputum, that is beyond normal day-to-day variations, is acute in onset and may warrant a change in medication in a patient with underlying COPD, according to the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

Causes of COPD Exacerbation: Infection, Air Pollution
The top two causes of an exacerbation are infection of the airways or lungs and air pollution. In one-third of all COPD exacerbation cases, however, the cause cannot be identified.

Studies have found that smoking, lack of a pulmonary rehabilitation program, improper use of an inhaler and poor adherence to a drug therapy program are all associated with more frequent episodes of COPD exacerbation. Therefore, it is important that if you have been prescribed a treatment regimen for your COPD, you stick to the program and follow your doctors orders.

Signs and Symptoms of a COPD Exacerbation
The main symptom of an acute exacerbation of COPD is increased breathlessness which is often accompanied by the following:

Increased cough and sputum production
Change in the color and/or thickness of the sputum
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Fever
Treatment of COPD Exacerbation
Often, either a hospital stay or a home-care nurse are necessary for managing an exacerbation. According to GOLD, nurse-administered home care can be a practical yet effective alternative to hospital care in certain patients with COPD exacerbation. The exact criteria used to determine who would benefit most from this approach, however, is uncertain and varies according to health care setting.

If your exacerbation of COPD cannot be managed safely at home, you will be admitted to the hospital. Once there, your treatment, as determined by your health care provider, may include the following:

Oxygen therapy
Glucocorticosteroids (oral, IV and/or inhaled medications that treat inflammation)
Antibiotics (if an underlying bacterial infection exists)
Bronchodilators
Respiratory stimulants
Ventilatory support - non-invasive (by mask) or invasive (by means of a tube inserted into your lungs through your mouth)
Prevention of COPD Exacerbation
Preventative strategies that may help patients with COPD prevent acute exacerbation include:

Pneumonia and annual flu vaccine (a flu shot can decrease serious illness and death by as much as 50% for patients with COPD).
Handwashing
Balanced diet, sufficient amount of exercise/activity and adequate sleep
Avoiding exposure to environmental irritants such as air pollution (pay attention to air quality alerts), extreme temperatures and cigarette smoke (including secondhand smoke).
Avoid crowds, especially during cold and flu season
One Final Word
COPD exacerbations are debilitating, in and of themselves. The toll they take on your body can lead to disability and even death. Paying attention to your body, taking better care of yourself and taking steps towards prevention may ultimately help you to avoid a COPD exacerbation.

For further information about COPD exacerbation, be sure to talk with your primary care provider.

thanks for the definition of exacerbation. i do not currently have a cough, but am now being given anti biotics for what the doctor believed to be bronchitis, my sputum i green, this is my second dose of antibiotics, if this doesn't work i don't know what the next step would be. when i cough it is to cough up sputum. otherwise i do not have the cough i had when i was smoking. which by the way i miss, but will not start up again as it could cost me my life, right!

Good Inf. Holly. Glad you brought this up. Anxiety also is a BIG facter. Also Fear. It's all there. Thanks for bringing this to the front of the line!

Hugs,
Carol