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TYPES AND SEVERITY
OF COPD

EXACERBATION (FLARE)

What is an exacerbation (flare)?

An exacerbation is commonly called a “flare” – it is when you have trouble breathing and/or are coughing with phlegm that worsens over less than 14 days. Since these symptoms may also be triggered by other chronic conditions or infections, it is critical that you seek medical advice to determine if you are experiencing an exacerbation.12 Exacerbations are generally triggered by bacteria or viruses, or sometimes other irritants. 10

It is important to identify an exacerbation and seek medical assistance as soon as possible, as you will need additional treatment to counter any possible damage to your lungs. You should rest and cut down on smoking (if applicable) to help you recuperate. 10

If you do not treat an exacerbation properly, it may become severe, require hospitalisation and cause further damage to your lungs and heart. 10

Depending on whether your exacerbation is classified as mild, moderate or severe, you may need additional medications such as bronchodilators, antibiotics, oral corticosteroids or even oxygen. 12

It may take up to 4-6 weeks to completely recover from an exacerbation, with some people never regaining their pre-exacerbation lung function. 12

Exacerbation Screening Test

Exacerbation Screening Test

Are you at risk of having an exacerbation?

This test will help you and your doctor measure the impact COPD is having on your wellbeing and daily life. You and your doctor can use the answers and test score to help improve the management of your COPD and get the greatest benefit from treatment.

For each item below, select the number that best describes you currently. Be sure to only select one response for each question.

Start >>
This test is not intended to diagnose or replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional.
0 1 2 3 4 5
I never cough I cough all the time
I have no phlegm (mucus) in my chest at all My chest is completely full of phlegm (mucus)
My chest does not feel tight at all My chest feels very tight
When I walk up a hill or one flight of stairs I am not breathless When I walk up a hill or one flight of stairs I am very breathless
I am not limited doing any activities at home despite my lung condition I am very limited doing activities at home
I am confident leaving my home despite my lung condition I am not at all confident leaving my home because of my lung condition
I sleep soundly I do not sleep soundly because of my lung condition
I have lots of energy I have no energy at all

I never cough

I cough all the time

I have no phlegm (mucus) in my chest at all

My chest is completely full of phlegm (mucus)

My chest does not feel tight at all

My chest feels very tight

When I walk up a hill or one flight of stairs I am not breathless

When I walk up a hill or one flight of stairs I am very breathless

I am not limited doing any activities at home despite my lung condition

I am very limited doing activities at home

I am confident leaving my home despite my lung condition

I am not at all confident leaving my home because of my lung condition

I sleep soundly

I do not sleep soundly because of my lung condition

I have lots of energy

I have no energy at all

<< Back Calculate my score

Your results

Exacerbation Results Icon
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This test is not intended to diagnose or replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional.

CAT assessment & CAT User Guide and FAQ. Accessed 2025/10/22. Available from https://www.catestonline.org/content/dam/global/catestonline/documents/CAT_HCP%20User%20Guide.pdf.

Lee S-D, Huang M-S, et al. respiratory Medicine, 2014;108:600-608.1,2

REFERENCES:
1. COPD Assessment Test [online]. Accessed 2025/11/28. Available from https://www.catestonline.org/content/dam/global/catestonline/documents/CAT_HCP%20User%20Guide.pdf.
2. Lee S-D, Huang M-S, et al. The COPD assessment test (CAT) assists prediction of COPD exacerbations in high-risk patients. Respiratory Medicine 2014;108:600e608.

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