Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ("COPD") symptoms. COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.
An "exacerbation" is when COPD symptoms flare up or get worse. Exacerbations are often caused by an infection, like the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.
●Stay away from smoke-filled places. Avoid other things that can cause breathing problems like fumes, pollution, and dust.
●Carry your inhaler with you all the time, if you have one. Use it when you need to. Take all your other medicines as instructed, too.
●Finish all your antibiotics, if your doctor prescribed them. It's important to take them exactly as instructed, even if you start to feel better.
●Know how and when to use extra oxygen, if you were prescribed it.
When should I get emergency help? —
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
●Are having so much trouble breathing you can only say 1 or 2 words at a time
●Need to sit upright at all times to be able to breathe, or cannot lie down
●Are very tired from working to catch your breath, or are sweating from trying to breathe
●Are coughing up a lot of blood (more than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL)
●Have signs of a heart attack, which might include:
•Severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with:
-Breathing trouble, sweating, upset stomach, or cold, clammy skin
-Pain in your arms, back, or jaw
-Worse pain with activity like walking up stairs
•Fast or irregular heartbeat
•Feeling dizzy, faint, or weak
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have trouble breathing when talking or sitting still
•Cough up a small amount of blood (less than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL)
•Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Feel weak or more short of breath than usual when resting or doing your regular activities
●Have new or worsening cough
●Cough up more mucus
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: COPD exacerbation (The Basics)
Patient education: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (The Basics)
Patient education: COPD and diet (The Basics)
Patient education: Lowering your risk of COPD (The Basics)
Patient education: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatments (Beyond the Basics)
