Answers to 5 common questions about acute exacerbations of COPD.

Full Abstract

Because acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPDs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality in COPD, they must be prevented when possible and when they occur, treated aggressively. This article answers 5 of the most common questions I receive about AECOPDs: 1) Are worsening respiratory symptoms an acute exacerbation or disease progression? 2) What is the best first-line treatment for an AECOPD? 3) Would systemic steroids be an effective treatment? 4) When should antibiotics be considered? 5) Is it possible to prevent an AECOPD? The physician should not assume that exacerbations are part of the disease process; they can be treated and their frequency can be reduced with appropriate preventive measures. Treatment needs to be tailored to disease severity and patient risk factors, including bacterial resistance, which significantly affects patient outcomes. Studies are also showing that exacerbations can be prevented by maintenance therapy with either long-acting beta-agonists or tiotropium.

Author information

Author/s: Anzueto, Antonio R (AR);

Affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. anzueto(-atsign-)uthscsa.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Postgraduate medicine (Postgrad Med), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 121 (issue 5) : pp 159-65

Dates: Created 2009/10/12; Completed 2009/11/04;

PMID: 19820285, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/4/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Influenza Vaccines - administration & dosage
Male
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - diagnosis; drug therapy
Quality of Life
Risk Factors
Serotonin - analogs & derivatives

Associated Chemicals: Anti-Bacterial Agents (0) ; Influenza Vaccines (0) ; Serotonin (50-67-9) ; 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases (EC 1.1.1.146)

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