How much do you know about exacerbations? Take this short, 5-question quiz to learn more about COPD exacerbations (also known as flare ups). Do you know what to do if you suddenly started feeling an exacerbation coming on? At the end of the quiz, you will find links to more information about exacerbations where you can learn more and take advantage of the valuable resources the COPD Foundation offers. For each question, choose only one answer. What is the best way to describe an exacerbation? A bad day when you are not feeling great. An episode where your COPD symptoms get worse and don’t seem to be getting better. A continuation of the COPD symptoms you experience on a daily basis. New symptoms that you have never experienced before. Congratulations, that is the right answer! When your symptoms are getting worse, that is a sign that an exacerbation may be happening or about to happen. Great job! Let’s go on to the next question. Sorry, that is not the best answer. While your selection may be considered a sign of an exacerbation, the best answer is B. An episode where your COPD symptoms get worse and don’t seem to be getting better. Nice try! Let’s take a look at the next question. When you have a COPD exacerbation, you should always go to the emergency room. True False Congratulations, that is the right answer! You do not always have to go to the emergency room when you are having an exacerbation. Well done! Keep it up with the next question. Sorry, that is not the best answer. In some cases, an exacerbation may require a visit to the emergency room and hospitalization, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, you may be able to manage your condition without a trip to the emergency room, but you should always contact your doctor when you see your symptoms worsen without improving. See how you do on the next question. Using a My COPD Action Plan may help you detect signs of an exacerbation so you can take action before your symptoms become serious. True False Congratulations, that is the right answer! The My COPD Action Plan is a valuable tool for monitoring your condition so you can be aware of changes in your health before problems arise. You are doing great! Let’s see what the next question is about. Sorry, that is not the best answer. A My COPD Action Plan is a valuable tool you can use to detect changes in your lung health. Information about downloading the My COPD Action Plan will be provided on the next page. Let’s keep going to the next question. Which of these should you do to help prevent exacerbations? Wash your hands often and avoid being around people who are sick. Get a flu shot and a pneumonia shot. Always take your maintenance (controller) and rescue medicines as prescribed by your health care provider. All of the above. Congratulations, that is the right answer! These are all steps you can take to prevent exacerbations. You’re a pro! Just one more question. Sorry, that is not the best answer. Your selection does help prevent exacerbations, but the best answer was D, all of the above. These are all strategies you can use to control and prevent exacerbations. This was a tricky one. Move on to the next question. When someone begins showing signs of an exacerbation, should they use cough syrup as a solution before contacting their health care provider? Yes No Congratulations, that is the right answer! Exacerbations should be managed alongside your doctor. Self-treating with over-the-counter cough medicines should be done with your doctor’s advice. Excellent, now click below to see your score and to learn more about exacerbations. Sorry, that is not the best answer. Cough syrup, especially if it contains codeine or any type of cough suppressant, can actually be harmful during an exacerbation. Talk to your doctor about managing a troublesome cough. Good try, now click below to see your score and to get some helpful resources to learn more about exacerbations. Score Your score is {Score}% Want to learn more about exacerbations? Here are some helpful resources: Read more on the exacerbations page on our website. Download the COPD Foundation Guide for Better Living on Exacerbations. Here are some helpful tools for managing exacerbations: The My COPD Action Plan (available in both English and Spanish) The COPD Pocket Consultant Guide (PCG) app, available for Apple and Android devices. Retake the Quiz >
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This page was reviewed on August 10, 2021 by the COPD Foundation Content Review and Evaluation Committee.