catching a cold with emphysema or chronic bronchitis may also lead to bacterial infections such as pneumonia. this occurs because of the airway obstruction and the inability to cough up infected mucus. sometimes patients with copd are hospitalized because of a respiratory infection and the worsening of their symptoms. treatment may include inhaled medications oxygen and antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection. antibiotics do not treat a cold. to avoid more serious problems with emphysema chronic bronchitis and colds it's important to always alert your doctor if your cold symptoms get worse. don't wait until you have more serious breathing problems to contact your doctor.
why should i take colds seriously with emphysema or chronic bronchitis?