RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes significant burdens for patients. To secure safe care and treatment in the first part of the patient trajectory, it is essential to explore patients' experiences during admission in the acute phase following an exacerbation due to COPD. METHODS: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were performed, using Kvale and Brinkman's meaning condensation as an analytical approach. RESULTS: The findings are illustrated in four themes: A burdened patient group; the urgent need for air; to be in a cross field between chaos, waiting time and uncertainty; and communication as the lifeline. CONCLUSION: Patients were distressed due to shortness of breath and anxiety in the busy setting of the emergency department, and the analysis showed that breathing was the most important and urgent issue when the patients were acutely admitted. This study contributes to the evidence base on how the first part of the trajectory affects patients' ability to master their situation and their overall well-being.