MedifocusHealth

In general, an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be defined as a sudden worsening of respiratory symptoms that usually causes the patient to seek medical attention. Sudden worsening of COPD symptoms may include increased coughing, increased sputum production, increased wheezing, and more frequent episodes of shortness of breath. Acute exacerbations of COPD are a medical emergency and are frequently asssociated with respirtatory distress that can lead to respiratory failure. Although the exact cause of acute exacerbations of COPD is not known with certainty, many experts are of the opinion that they are caused by bacterial/viral infections and by environmental pollutants.

Management of acute exacerbations of COPD includes:

• Controlled oxygen therapy - to correct hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the bloodstream)

• Inhaled bronchodilator therapy

  • inhaled salbutamol
  • inhaled salbutamol in combination with ipratroprium
  • these medications may be administered with either a metered dose inhaler or a nebulizer

• Oral corticosteroids

  • 30 to 40 mg of oral prednisolone for 7 to 14 days
  • can help improve lung function and shorten the duration of hospitalization

• Antibiotics

  • most commonly used for severe exacerbations with increased sputum production and thickness where a bacterial infection is suspected or proven by cultures.

• Non-invasive ventilation

  • the patient receives respiratory support in the hospital through a face mask or a nose mask that is connected to a portable ventilator.
  • indicated for patients with acute exacerbations of COPD who develop respiratory acidosis where the pH of the blood drops to 7.35 or lower and who have an elevated arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) level.