title: [Reducing COPD exacerbations : a challenge in 2017].
abstract: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 4th leading cause of death in our country. Exacerbations play a major role in the course of the disease. Their consequences are multiple : accelerated decline in lung function, deterioration in patientsâ€™ quality of life and well-being, decreased physical activity, increased morbidity and mortality related to COPD, significant economic implications on health budgets and workplace absenteeism. Reducing the number of exacerbations in patients with COPD therefore represents a major challenge in the treatment of this disease. In this article, we underline the importance of these exacerbations and review the therapeutic means available in 2017 to prevent them.
authors.affiliation: Université de Liège, Belgique.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Debrus
authors.affiliation: Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Liège, Site du Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgique.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bonhomme
authors.affiliation: Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Liège, Site du Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgique.
authors.forename: J-L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Corhay
mesh_terms: D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords:  Exacerbation ;  Prevention ; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 