title: Acute COPD exacerbations.
abstract: Exacerbations are important events for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and key outcomes in COPD studies and trials. Exacerbations have an impact on health status and contribute to disease progression, and exacerbation prevention is a key goal of therapy in COPD. A majority of COPD exacerbations are triggered by respiratory viral infections and/or bacterial infections. Several pharmacologic therapies can prevent COPD exacerbations and reduce hospital admissions. Nonpharmacologic interventions for exacerbation prevention include pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy, and home noninvasive ventilator support. Improved management of acute exacerbations also prolongs the time to the next exacerbation event.
authors: Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK. Electronic address: w.wedzicha@ucl.ac.uk.
authors: Jadwiga A
authors: JA
authors: Wedzicha
authors: Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.
authors: Richa
authors: R
authors: Singh
authors: Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.
authors: Alex J
authors: AJ
authors: Mackay
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents
keywords: Bacterial infections; COPD; Exacerbations; Respiratory viral infections