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Acute exacerbation of COPD: Difference between revisions
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m (Nikolas moved page COPD exacerbations to Acute exacerbation of COPD) |
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== Diagnosis and evaluation == | == Diagnosis and evaluation == | ||
The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms. If there are severe symptoms, ABG is used to assess the level of severity. | The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms. If there are severe symptoms, [[ABG]] is used to assess the level of severity. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
In most cases, an increased dose of inhaled [[bronchodilators]] is necessary along with a short course of an oral [[corticosteroids]] like prednisolone. In Norway, ipratropium and salbutamol are usually | In most cases, an increased dose of inhaled [[bronchodilators]] is necessary along with a short course of an oral [[corticosteroids]] like prednisolone. In Norway, [[ipratropium]] and [[salbutamol]] are usually administered in a nebulizer 4 times daily for the duration of the exacerbation. | ||
If a bacterial infection is suspected, due to infectious signs or purulent or increased volume of sputum, empiric antibiotics can be given. | If a bacterial infection is suspected, due to infectious signs or purulent or increased volume of sputum, empiric antibiotics can be given. | ||
In cases more severe cases with [[respiratory failure]], [[O2 supplementation|O2 supplement]] or [[non-invasive ventilation]] is used. In very severe cases, [[Intensive care unit|ICU]] admission is necessary. | In cases more severe cases with [[respiratory failure]], [[O2 supplementation|O2 supplement]] or [[non-invasive ventilation]] is used. In very severe cases, [[Intensive care unit|ICU]] admission and [[invasive ventilation]] is necessary. Admission to the ICU is indicated if: | ||
* If conservative therapy doesn’t work | |||
* PaO2 < 40 mmHg | |||
* pH < 7,25 | |||
* Haemodynamic instability | |||
[[Category:Pulmonology]] | [[Category:Pulmonology]] | ||