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).
Specialty: Pulmonology
ICD-10: ,