Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD)

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), pronounced as /əˌkjuːt ˌɛksəˈbɜːrbeɪʃən ɒv ˈkrɒnɪk əbˈstrʌktɪv pʌlˈmɒnəri dɪˈziːz/, is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms including shortness of breath, quantity and color of phlegm which often necessitates additional therapy.

Etymology

The term "acute exacerbation" is derived from the Latin exacerbare meaning "to make worse", and "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" is a descriptive term for a group of lung conditions that block airflow and make it increasingly difficult for a person to breathe.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of an AECOPD episode are increased breathlessness, frequent coughing (with and without mucus), increased fatigue, and mild confusion. These symptoms are often severe and can be life-threatening.

Causes

The most common causes of an AECOPD flare are infections (bacterial or viral), air pollution, and noncompliance with medication. Other triggers can include heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and inappropriate use of sedatives.

Treatment

Treatment for AECOPD includes bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, hospitalization. Pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking can also help manage the condition.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Wikipedia's article - Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease