Final answer:
A mild COPD exacerbation involves increased shortness of breath, coughing and changes in phlegm production, but can usually be managed at home. It often shares similarities with an asthma attack and can be triggered by environmental factors like pollutants or allergens. While COPD has no cure, avoiding smoking and environmental triggers can improve outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are episodes where symptoms become notably worse than the usual day-to-day variations and beyond normal fluctuations. A mild COPD exacerbation is characterized by an increase in symptoms such as persistent coughing, changes in phlegm (sputum) quality or quantity, and a mild increase in shortness of breath. These symptoms are similar to an asthma attack where there may be coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Unlike more severe exacerbations, which can require hospitalization, mild exacerbations may be managed at home with an increase in the use of short-acting bronchodilators or other prescribed medications.
Environmental triggers such as air pollution, allergens, and cigarette smoke can lead to exacerbations in individuals with COPD and asthma. The physiological changes in COPD include a breakdown of alveolar walls, which reduces the surface area for gas exchange and contributes to airflow obstruction. Although there is no cure for COPD, cessation of smoking and avoiding environmental risk factors can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations.