Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Inpatient Management

Brian J Harte; David Wesorick; Andrew Odden

doi:10.1016/j.ehmc.2012.12.001

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Inpatient Management

Hosp Med Clin. 2013 Apr;2(2):e169-e191. doi: 10.1016/j.ehmc.2012.12.001. Epub 2013 Mar 18.

Authors

Brian J Harte¹, David Wesorick², Andrew Odden³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Hospital Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, 2000 Harvard Road, Warrensville Heights, Cleveland, OH 44122, USA.
² Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
³ Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, University of Michigan Medical School, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.

Abstract

This article outlines the management of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which are common in the course of chronic COPD and are associated with substantial morbidity. There are numerous guidelines, but literature suggests that there is substantial variation in care in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. Key components of acute therapy for most patients include oral steroids, antibiotics, nebulizers, oxygen, and early consideration of noninvasive ventilation. Adjuvant components of care include venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, appropriate immunizations, counseling for smoking cessation, and consideration of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Keywords: Acute exacerbation of COPD; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Global Initiative for COPD guidelines; Inpatient management.

Publication types

Review