Rodriguez-Roisin reported consensus criteria for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Criteria for an exacerbation of COPD:
(1) previously stable clinical state
(2) acute onset
(3) sustained worsening of condition
(4) deterioration beyond normal day-to-day variation in clinical status
(5) requires a change in regular medication (or other therapy)
Symptoms of an acute exacerbation may include:
(1) increased shortness of breath (dyspnea)
(2) increased volume and purulence of sputum
(3) increased cough
(4) fever
(5) tachycardia
(6) impaired mental status
|
Patient Status
|
Severity of Acute Exacerbation
|
|
able to manage on own
|
mild
|
|
need for medical assistance
|
moderate
|
|
significant deterioration requires hospitalization
|
severe
|
after Table 2, page 400S Rodriguez-Roisin (2000).
