A patient with COPD who develops signs of infection should do which of the following?

• A. Ignore symptoms
• B. Report signs of infection promptly
• C. Self-treat at home with OTC meds
• D. Stop all inhaled medications

Answer: (B)

In COPD, infections can quickly trigger an acute exacerbation, so recognizing and addressing symptoms early is crucial. When signs of infection appear—such as increased dyspnea, more productive or purulent sputum, fever, or overall worsening fatigue—prompt medical evaluation allows a clinician to determine if antibiotics or changes to inhaled therapies are needed and to assess for complications like pneumonia. Delaying care can lead to faster decline, greater need for hospitalization, and poorer outcomes. Self-treating with OTC meds or ignoring symptoms may mask the problem and delay appropriate treatment, while stopping inhaled medications can worsen airway control during an infection. Therefore, reporting signs of infection promptly ensures timely and appropriate management.