What triggers COPD attacks?

People living with COPD sometimes experience flare-ups of the disease, also known as exacerbations. These flare-ups involve a sudden and dramatic worsening of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or an increase in mucus in bronchial tubes. Triggers for these sudden attacks include respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, but at times, air pollution can be responsible, too.