Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: A Need for Action

The American Journal of Medicine
Antonio Anzueto, M Miravitlles

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with exacerbations contributing strongly to the overall severity and burden of disease at the individual level. Many patients with COPD are managed predominantly in the primary care setting; therefore, primary care physicians (PCPs) must be aware of and understand the causes, effects, and management of COPD exacerbations. This review offers practical information about how exacerbations are defined in the treatment setting, pathogenic and environmental causes, options for exacerbation treatment and prevention, and suggestions for improving care in the clinic. Exacerbations have a strong negative effect on patients and are associated with an increased risk of further exacerbations and decreases in lung function. Thus, it is important that exacerbations not requiring hospitalization be identified and confidently managed in the clinical setting. Understanding treatment options for acute exacerbations and maintenance treatment to prevent future exacerbations may help PCPs better understand what they can do to support their patients. This review aims to provide useful guidance for PCPs to identify exacerbations and adjust their practice for op...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 27, 2019·JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association·Craig M Riley, Frank C Sciurba
Jun 3, 2020·Journal of Clinical Medicine·José Luis Lopez-CamposMiguel Angel Martinez-Garcia
Aug 6, 2020·COPD·Lian SmuldersMartijn D de Kruif
Jul 31, 2020·Respiratory Research·Antonio Anzueto, Marc Miravitlles
Sep 30, 2020·Journal of Clinical Medicine·Kazuto MatsunagaTsunahiko Hirano
Apr 14, 2020·International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease·Alexa NuñezMiriam Barrecheguren
Jun 29, 2021·Virulence·Charles D MorinGee W Lau

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