title: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the emergency department.
abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs) are a common presentation to emergency departments and are an important cause of respiratory failure. This article discusses the disease process and diagnosis of COPD and AECOPD. A further in-depth discussion is undertaken of evidence-based treatments, palliation, and disposition of patients who present to emergency departments with AECOPD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Alberta Health Services: Calgary Zone, Foothills Medical Center, 1403 29th Street Northwest, Room C231, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 2T9. Cory.Brulotte@albertahealthservices.ca
authors.forename: Cory A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Brulotte
authors.forename: Eddy S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Lang
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004630:Emergencies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D013256:Steroids