Acute Exacerbations

Question 1

what is an acute exacerbation?

Answer 1

acute changes in symptoms such as cough, dyspnea and sputum production that is beyond what is considered normal variability in a patient

Question 2

how many acute exacerbations of COPD are infectious?

Answer 2

half

Question 3

why is it hard to establish what bacterial pathogen caused the exacerbation?

Answer 3

because chronic bacterial colonization of the airways is common in COPD

Question 4

there is viral and bacterial component to exacerbations, which is more common?

Answer 4

viral

Question 5

what are other triggers for acute exacerbations?

Answer 5

CHF, pulmonary emboli, exposure to allergens and irritants

Question 6

what are the most frequently involved respiratory viruses in acute exacerbations?

Answer 6

rhinoviruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Question 7

what are other viruses of acute exacerbations?

Answer 7

influenza viruses, coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses and human metapneumovirus

Question 8

what are some probable bacterial pathogens?

Answer 8

haemophilus influenza, moraxella catarrhalis and streptococcus pneumonia

Question 9

what are common signs and symptoms of acute exacerbations?

Answer 9

breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, increase cough and sputum production, change in colour and texture of sputum and fever
- others include: tachycardia, tachypnea, feeling unwell (malaise), insomnia, fatigue, depression an confusion