What are warning signs of an infection, especially if I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

What are warning signs of an infection, especially if I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

While you can treat most infections successfully, you must be able to recognize an infection's immediate symptoms for proper and effective care. These may include:

• Increased shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• Coughing up increased amounts of mucus.
• Yellow- or green-colored mucus (may or may not be present).
• Fever (temperature over 101°F) or chills (may or may not be present).
• Increased fatigue or weakness.
• Sore throat, scratchy throat or pain when swallowing.
• Unusual sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along upper cheekbones.

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away, even if you don’t feel sick.