Optimal Approaches to COPD Exacerbation Management

An exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that may include increased shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, or worsening fatigue. Exacerbations are sometimes referred to as "lung attacks," because of their similarity to heart attacks in their immediate onset and long-term outcomes.

The clinical presentation of COPD exacerbations range from mild to severe, but regardless of severity, exacerbations are serious events that can significantly affect a patient's overall health.

In this panel ReCAP, Dr MeiLan Han from the University of Michigan and Dr David Mannino from the University of Kentucky share insights on the essential considerations for COPD exacerbation management.

First, they discuss the risk factors for and warning signs of COPD exacerbations, and what patients should do when they experience an event.

They then go on to discuss the optimal approaches to the treatment and prevention of COPD exacerbations, and they close by underscoring the importance of patient education.

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Cite this: Optimal Approaches to COPD Exacerbation Management - Medscape - Jun 21, 2022.