COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

936 Members
10,879 Posts
0 Online
Lungs & Respiration
/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Exacerbation / flareups

Chelle104
Chelle104
I have looked up the definition for exacerbation and I just don't understand what it is. I was DX a year ago of severe emphysema and my condition is declining so rapidly, I can't keep up. I have called 911 five times in the past 1 1/2 years, for my airway being shut off. Mucus, has not always been the case. Anyway, is that an exacerbation, when I can't breath at all? I struggle every day with constant shortness of breath. I can only move about for 40 or 50 seconds, before I have to sit down and get my o2 level back up. Tonight the weather has finally eased up and it's so cool and wonderful to breath for me. After 11 days in a row of struggling, finally 1 day to step out on my balcony and take in long and wonderful breaths. I just don't understand the term for exacerbation as it applies to me. And also, I have no congestion at all. No mucous, no cold, no bronchitis, etc. I have had those problems when I went to the hospital, but I have not gone since Nov. 2013. I take 1000 units of vit c, so maybe that has really helped. So, back to the exacerbation, what exactly is it. Thanks
gr8ful2b
gr8ful2b
As far as my feeble mind can remember, exacerbation would be anything that causes your symptoms to get worse or in your case, the emphysema, to get worse. I haven't worked in a few years so I hope I haven't confused you further.
Chelle104
Chelle104
I think I live in one big EXACERBATION. If you know what I mean. All day, everyday, I struggle to breath. I only stop struggling when I am sitting or lying down. My o2 level goes down rapidly when I start to walk to do something. I can only be up for 40 to 50 seconds before I have to sit down. My 02 level goes as low as 84 on a regular basis, and twice it has gone down to 76. I am on 3-4 liters sitting and 5 liters when I get up to do something. In other words I am one big EXACERBATION. And I struggle all day long everyday.. My Dr. says there is nothing more he can do.
deleted_user
deleted_user
As Gr8 said, anything that makes your symptoms worse is considered exacerbating.
Second opinion time Chelle. If you have a doc that says he can't do anything more, time to find one that can. There are always options (up to and including palliative and hospice care) - no matter what stage we are in this disease. A doctor worth their salt should be prepared to aid in a plan of action...

Hugs,
Dennis