·
COPD
- Complications
·
People with COPD may
suffer from acute (exacerbation) and chronic complications (comorbidities).
Exacerbation means worsening or a "flare up" of COPD.
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o In simple terms, an exacerbation is defined as
a worsening of COPD symptoms. The Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung
Disease (GOLD) defines it as "an event in the natural course of the
disease characterized by a change in the patient's baseline dyspnea, cough,
and/or sputum, that is beyond normal day-to-day variations, is acute in onset
and may warrant a change in medication in a patient with underlying COPD".
o An exacerbation can be from an infection in
the lung, but in some instances it is never known why people have a worsening
of symptoms. An exacerbation is usually treated with antibiotics or oral
corticosteroids even if the reason for the exacerbation is not
known.
o Signs and symptoms of an exacerbation are
similar to those of an infection or pneumonia. The amount and colour of your
sputum is important to note. A change in the amount of sputum (either bringing
up more or bringing up less than usual), a change in the colour of your sputum
from clear to deep yellow, green, brown or red, and increasing shortness of
breath are typical signs and symptoms of an exacerbation.
·
Reference:
ATS
http://www.thoracic.org/clinical/copd-guidelines/for-patients/what-is-an-exacerbation.php
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