Clinical QuickiePulmonary
COPD Exacerbation
Not every exacerbation is infectious.
Define the change from baseline
Worsening dyspnea, cough and/or sputum beyond usual variability supports an exacerbation.
Purulence matters more than sputum color alone
Increased sputum purulence can support bacterial involvement when paired with the broader clinical syndrome.
Treat the exacerbation pathway
Bronchodilator intensification and systemic corticosteroid therapy are common components when appropriate; antibiotics are reserved for selected presentations.
Reassess for mimics
HF, pneumonia, PE, pneumothorax, arrhythmia and medication nonadherence can look like COPD exacerbation.
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