COPD Exacerbation - Managing Symptoms

COPD exacerbation refers to a worsening of symptoms in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, requiring prompt medical attention.

COPD Exacerbation FAQ

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What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people do not realise they have it.

What is an exacerbation of COPD?

An exacerbation is a flare-up or episode when your breathing is worse than usual and may continue to worsen without treatment. With COPD, you may be able to participate in the same activities for weeks or months without having worsening symptoms. Then suddenly you may have a flare-up where your cough, shortness of breath, or mucus may increase.

What is an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

An acute exacerbation is more commonly known as a 'flare-up'. An acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms compared with the usual severity of symptoms. This often means a worsening of breathlessness and an increase in coughing, with more phlegm (sputum). What is COPD?

What are the symptoms of a COPD exacerbation?

People with COPD have good days and bad days. But an exacerbation is more than a bad day, clarifies Dr. Majumdar. COPD exacerbation symptoms can vary. You may experience: Increased shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing or mucus production. Change in mucus color or thickness. Excessive fatigue. Lack of appetite.

When should I reassess people with an acute exacerbation of COPD?

1.1.6 Reassess people with an acute exacerbation of COPD if their symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time, taking account of: any symptoms or signs suggesting a more serious illness or condition, such as cardiorespiratory failure or sepsis previous antibiotic use, which may have led to resistant bacteria.

What causes acute exacerbations of COPD?

Acute exacerbations of COPD can be triggered by a range of factors including respiratory tract infections (most commonly rhinovirus), smoking, and environmental pollutants. Many exacerbations are not caused by bacterial infections so will not respond to antibiotics. Increased breathlessness. Increased cough.

What is the difference between stable COPD and acute exacerbation?

Scenario: Stable COPD: Covers the management of people with persistent symptoms of COPD who are not experiencing an acute exacerbation. Scenario: Acute exacerbation: Covers the management of people experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD.