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Acute exacerbation of COPD: Difference between revisions
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'''Acute exacerbations of COPD''' are acute worsenings of symptoms in a patient with [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]]. It may be caused by viral respiratory infections, bacterial infections, pollution, or stress. | <section begin="A&IC" />'''Acute exacerbations of COPD''' are acute worsenings of symptoms in a patient with [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]]. It may be caused by viral respiratory infections, bacterial infections, pollution, or stress. | ||
Exacerbations may vary in intensity from mild to very severe and life-threatening. Rapid assessment of the severity is important. | Exacerbations may vary in intensity from mild to very severe and life-threatening. Rapid assessment of the severity is important. | ||
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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 of respiratory distress, dyspnoea, and evidence of lower airway obstruction on auscultation (expiratory wheezing, prolonged expiration). If there are severe symptoms, [[ABG]] is used to assess the level of severity. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
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* pH < 7,25 | * pH < 7,25 | ||
* Haemodynamic instability | * Haemodynamic instability | ||
<section end="A&IC" /> | |||
[[Category:Intensive care]] | |||
[[Category:Pulmonology]] | [[Category:Pulmonology]] | ||