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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Management
How do I diagnose an acute exacerbation of COPD?
- An acute exacerbation of COPD is a sustained worsening of a person's symptoms from their usual stable state, which is beyond normal day-to-day variations and acute in onset. There is no single defining symptom of an exacerbation.
- Commonly reported symptoms are:
- Increased breathlessness.
- Increased cough.
- Increased sputum production and change in sputum colour.
- Other symptoms may include:
- Increased wheeze and chest tightness.
- Upper respiratory tract symptoms (for example colds or sore throats).
- Reduced exercise tolerance.
- Fluid retention.
- Increased fatigue.
- Acute confusion.
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