11 - Infective Exacerbation of COPD

Question 1

Clinical picture of an infective exacerbation of COPD?

Answer 1

Hx of COPD + productive cough with change in volume/colour of sputum

• inflammatory markers raised
• presents with a fever, indicating an infective cause
• CXR has no signs of focal consolidation/pulmonary oedema (e.g. pneumonia, pulmonary oedema)