Management in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Abstract

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cause increase in morbidity and mortality, hospital admissions, influence health-related quality of life and costs to the patient and health system. COPD patient experience 2 to 3 exacerbations per year, specially during winter, causing a progressive physiologic deterioration and increase in the airway inflammation. Treatment is based on bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation and antibiotics.