Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Acute Exacerbation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an episode is usually triggered by respiratory infection, air pollution or other triggers of inflammation in which the symptoms become worse than the usual day-to-day variation and persist for at least several days. It is typically characterized by increased level of shortness of breath, increased sputum production, increased purulence, or a combination of these signs.
Early intervention is crucial to manage the exacerbation and prevent further deterioration of respiratory function in individuals with COPD.
Symptoms

Difficulty breathing

  • Chronic

  • Increased in severity

  • Recurrent

  • Occurs or worsens with exertion

common

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • Increased mucos production or change in color

  • An irritating cough that doesn't go away

  • Production of yellowish-gray mucus, Production of clear-white mucus

  • Lasting 4 weeks or more

  • Recurrent

  • With bloody mucus

  • Occurs or is worse in the morning

common

Whistling breathing

common

Abnormally rapid breathing

  • Prolonged exhalation

common

Fever

  • Less than 38°C (100.4°F), Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F)

Bluish discoloration of the skin

  • Lips, Fingernails, In feet, In hand

Overweight or obese

Rapid heart rate

Enlarged feet or ankle

  • In both feet or ankles

or Swelling in lower leg

  • In both lower legs

Throwing up

Risk factors

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Pulmonary Embolism

or Breathing in dust, smoke or chemicals for a long period of time

or Infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs

or Recent upper respiratory tract infection

Treatment
Treatment of COPD exacerbations varies depending on the severity of the exacerbation. Mild exacerbations can be managed in the outpatient settings with a combination of a oral corticosteroid, antibiotic, and bronchodilator. Moderate to severe exacerbations require hospitalization and\or ICU admission. At the hospital, your doctor will decide if you need Intravenous (IV) Corticosteroid and Antibiotics, Bronchodilators, Immunomodulators, Supplemental oxygen, or even Mechanical Ventilation.
Recommended specialist

If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Acute Exacerbation, then a visit to a pulmonologist as soon as possible.

Contact a

Pulmonologist

Products

Collaborator

Cowriter

Coder

Book a demo

Research

Research at Avey

Research projects

Benchmarks

Publications

APIs

APIs overview

Company

Who we are

Careers

Media center

Support

Contact us

Copyright © Avey 2025

HIPAA Compliant