LATE BREAKING TOPICS IN RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2012 

Minerva Pneumologica 2012 June;51(2):45-57

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Management of acute exacerbations of COPD

Kastelik J. A., Gondker A., Greenstone M., Morjaria J. B.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, University of Hull, Hull York Medical School, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, UK

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disorder which the World Health Organisation estimates affects over 210 million people worldwide. A large proportion of the costs incurred in treating this condition are related to the management of acute exacerbations. In this review article we describe the nature and aetiology of exacerbations and offer an evidence-based approach to their management. This article should prove to be of interest to doctors from a wide range specialities involved in the care of COPD patients.