[COPD exacerbation--what should be done?].
Acute exacerbation of COPD is characterized by a worsening of the general state of health, breathing difficulty and greenish or yellowish sputum indicating a bacterial infection. A pulmonary function test and if necessary, a blood gas analysis are recommended for determining the severity of the exacerbation. Depending on severity, therapy consists of bronchial dilators, antibiotics and additionally if needed, steroids and oxygen as well as nonpharmacological measures (giving up smoking, patient education, vaccinations, etc).
Isar-Amper-Klinikum, Klinikum München-Ost, Haar. hermann.fueessl@iak-kmo.de
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D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology*; D005194:Family Practice; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D014797:Vital Capacity
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents