Oh honey don't worry. It is nothing but getting a lung infection and have had several. Pneumonia the first time and a plain lung infection the second and 3rd time. Went to the ER all 3 times and they put you on O2 and pump you with antibiotics. Usually send you home when you are stabilized and put you on prednisone and antibiotics. Usually kicked stuff in 7 to 10 days although thanks to stupid doctors when I had pneumonia I was in bad shape for almost 5 months. Really screwed up my job at the time. Have not been sick since taking Lugol's Solution 2% been getting from Amazon and putting 5 or 6 drops in juice or wine several times a week. Also, my VA doc's gave me a reserve of antibiotics and prednisone to start if I felt bad. Only had to do this once. Not as bad as you think. Just hope you have a doc's to work with you. Also, have not been ill since my LVRS last October. Thank God!!!

Best wishes...

Curt

An exacerbation is a worsening of your symptoms.

http://www.thoracic.org/clinical/copd-guidelines/for-patients/what-is-an-exacerbation.php

So far my exacerbations been mild and have not turned into a trip to the ER. I have prescriptions for an antibiotic and a prednisone burst to keep on hand.

from what i learned an exacerbation is "a sudden worsening of symptoms"

what i have found personally is that copd does not "suddenly" get worse; it has a slow progression over time.
so if i suddenly get worse i usually have a lung infection & need to take antibiotics....
normally people also take prednisone for the "inflamation" also, but i am allergic to steriods so i can't give you input on that.

From what I have seen (my father has copd) is it is a worsening of symptoms and his is usually concurrent with an infection. I have asthma, what we say in our family is it's like an asthma attack on steroids. Jarca is right, it seems to be slow not sudden. He had a sudden one once but the rest were slowly. Also what curt said, my dad gets antibiotics to take when he feels bad and has an extra prescription for steroids. This is to get him until he can get to the doctor. And I am going to look at that Lugol's solution!

Take care.

I was diagnosed over 2 years ago and I still have no clue what an exacerbation is? I have felt the on come of an upper respiratory infection several times. usually I can beat it with rest , plenty of liquids, and chicken soup. Once or twice I did resort to an antibiotic, but at this time I am still refusing prednisone.

Keep in mind that some of the medications we take to control our symptoms are counterproductive to our immune systems, and that makes us more susceptible to infection.

I have modified my diet and added some supplements to compensate. so far it has worked pretty good for me.

Try not to worry to much because stress and anxiety also effects the immune system.

Just saying, Gary

One thing I have learned from exacerbations is don't wait and think it will get better. Go to the Dr. as soon as you start feeling bad. In the past I wait too long and then end up in the hospital. This is just a learning experience. My Dr. gives me antibiotics and steroids also. I'm with Gary on the steroids. I don't like to take them but they do help. Linda no question is stupid, so don't ever feel that way.
Big Hugs,
Debi

I haven't been on here in a while, but just wanted to let Linda know I am as confused as you on this subject. One day I am fine and then the next I have a burning sensation when I cough and then the mucous changes colors, doesn't last usually more than a couple of days. So is that an exacerbation or upper respiratory crud? The dr's I'm stuck with don't like to answer a lot of questions.

the actual definition of exacerbation if you google it is "a sudden worsening of symptoms"

when i 1st came to this board dennis had this link that i still think is one of the best ones i have come across.

"10 Signs of a COPD Exacerbation"
http://www.webmd.com/lung/10-signs-copd-exacerbation

Thanks jarca.