Autophagy-inducing compounds and their potential in treating inflammatory-oxidative stress responses, respiratory exacerbations and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The autophagy induction and other properties of various therapeutic compounds for treating pulmonary pathologies and exacerbations are shown. The ability of these compounds to induce autophagy to rescue dysfunctional CFTR or clearance of misfolded proteins from aggresome bodies is a critical therapeutic property to consider when evaluating possible treatments for age-related and respiratory conditions. In addition, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-biofilm, bactericidal, immune boosting, and mucolytic properties are further aspects of these compounds that have significant therapeutic potential in controlling chronic immune responses and exacerbations that trigger fatal lung conditions such as COPD, CF, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and COVID-19.