COPD: How to Deal With Colds and Flu

The upper respiratory system

An upper respiratory infection, also called a URI, is an infection of the nose, sinuses, or throat. Viruses most often cause URIs, but they can also be caused by bacteria. Colds, flu, and sinusitis are examples of URIs. These infections are spread by coughs, sneezes, and close contact. People who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) get these infections more often than people who do not have COPD.

A URI can worsen COPD symptoms such as too much mucus in your lungs, coughing, or shortness of breath. When you have an upper respiratory infection, you may feel uncomfortable, have a stuffy nose, and sound very congested.

Watch for these other symptoms of an upper respiratory infection:

  • You have facial pain or pressure.
  • You have a runny or stuffy nose, which may lead to blockage of the nasal passages and cause you to breathe through your mouth.
  • You have a sore throat.
  • You are irritable or restless, or you have a poor appetite or decreased activity level.
  • You have a cough that is worse when you are lying down.
  • You have a fever.
  • You use oxygen at home and feel like you need more. Call your doctor right away if this is the case. Never increase the amount of oxygen you use without your doctor's approval.

Treatment

You can treat most infections with home care. You may need antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. However, most often, URIs are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help viral infections.

COPD can make URIs worse, and it may take longer for you to feel better than it would for someone who does not have COPD. If your infection causes severe symptoms or other problems, you may need to see your doctor.

How can you care for yourself at home?

If you have a URI:

  • Drink plenty of water and other fluids, unless your doctor says not to.
  • Take cough medicine and a decongestant if your doctor suggests it. In general, over-the-counter cough medicines do not work very well. Some of these medicines may cause problems such as breathing difficulties if you take too much of them.
  • Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever or pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, and too much of it can be harmful.
  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • If your nose is stuffy, use saline (saltwater) nasal drops or spray to help you breathe.
  • Use a vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to your bedroom. Follow the instructions for cleaning it.
  • Do not smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.

When should you call your doctor?

If your COPD symptoms, such as cough, mucus, and shortness of breath, suddenly get worse, you may be having a COPD flare-up, or exacerbation.

Quick treatment may help you to prevent serious breathing problems and avoid a hospital stay.

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have severe trouble breathing.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You seem to be getting much sicker.
  • You have new or worse trouble breathing.
  • You have a new or higher fever.
  • You have a new rash.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have a new symptom, such as a sore throat, an earache, or sinus pain.
  • You cough more deeply or more often, especially if you notice more mucus or a change in the color of your mucus.
  • You do not get better as expected.