Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease provide a unique opportunity to take care of patients

Abstract

Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD) identifies the acute phase of COPD. The COPD patient is often frail and elderly with concomitant chronic diseases. This requires the physician not only looks at specific symptoms or organs, but to consider the patient in all his or her complexity.

Keywords

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbation, complex patient, respiratory and non-respiratory mechanisms, comprehensive treatment.