Breathing is your moment-to-moment lifeline, and when you can’t catch your breath because of a bad COPD flare-up, you know it’s time for an in-person evaluation.

Oxford Urgent Care is here to help you find relief before things get worse. We listen closely, act quickly, and treat the symptoms before they spiral.

What is a COPD flare-up?

Shortness of breath is sadly a fact of life for someone living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It was the fifth leading cause of death in the United States in 2023 according to the CDC, underscoring just how serious it can become if left unmanaged. Still, for many, COPD is a day-to-day reality they’ve learned to live with — and they know what their version of “normal” feels like.

A flare-up disrupts that normalcy. COPD symptoms worsen suddenly, and without proper care, they can persist for days or even weeks. They can even be severe enough to land you in the hospital.

That’s why early recognition matters. Look for:

More coughing than usual, often with discolored mucus
Shortness of breath — even while lying in bed
Noisy breathing that doesn’t settle
Trouble sleeping caused by labored breathing
Inability to catch your breath, often accompanied by a sense of panic

These symptoms in themselves aren’t emergencies, but they can lead to one if left ignored. That’s where fast COPD urgent care comes in — before an emergency clinic is necessary.

Common triggers of a flare-up

COPD flare-ups seldom come from nowhere. According to the American Lung Association, COPD flare-ups often come after specific environmental triggers that can suddenly make your symptoms worse. When you know what these triggers are, you can take steps to prevent them.

Smoke: Cigarette smoke is the most well-known trigger, but secondhand smoke and fireplaces can also make breathing harder.
Strong odors and chemicals: Scents from perfumes, cleaning products and other sources are known for irritating the lungs.
Weather changes: Sudden temperature shifts can tighten the chest and make it harder for you to breathe.
Air pollution: Poor air quality caused by smog or car exhaust often trigger flare-ups.
Infections: Colds, flus and other respiratory infections always need to be taken seriously by someone with COPD.

Unfortunately, you can’t avoid all of these all the time. The occasional flare-up is a reality for many, but how you respond makes all the difference.

At Oxford Urgent Care, we act fast to keep you out of the hospital.

Preventing the next flare-up

Flare-ups don’t start the day you notice them. They often begin earlier when something small, like a cough, that throws your lungs off balance. That’s why staying ahead is the best way to manage COPD symptoms:

Stay up to date on your vaccinations, especially for respiratory infections
Use your daily inhalers exactly as prescribed
Learn to avoid known triggers
Know what “normal” feels like. You’ll know sooner when something feels off.

As the Mayo Clinic says, implementing simple habits can keep your breathing stronger and your COPD flare-ups fewer. It makes breathing difficulty treatment more about prevention than crisis response.

When urgent care is the right call

Many think the ER is their best option — then they see the wait lines. In reality, a place like Oxford Urgent Care is a faster, more focused alternative when you’re in the middle of a bad COPD flare-up. We’re able to:

Assess your breathing and oxygen levels
Deliver supplemental oxygen if you need it
Administer a nebulizer to help stabilize your breathing
Run in-house testing to look for infections or deeper causes behind flare-ups

Our clinic is open seven days a week, no appointment needed, and we’re conveniently located right on University Avenue.

Whether you’re a college student or a lifelong Oxford local, we take care of our own here at Oxford Urgent Care. Come see us when your breathing needs support.