Author/Editor		Kreuh-Kuhta, Blanka; Varga, Tomaž; Vidovič, Duška
Title		Zdravljenje akutnega poslabšanja kronične obstruktivne pljučne bolezni
Translated title		Treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Type		članek
Source		In: Krajnc I, Hojs R, Pahor A, et al, editors. Zbornik predavanj in praktikum 14. srečanje internistov in zdravnikov splošne medicine Iz prakse za prakso z mednarodno udeležbo; 2003 maj 16-17; Maribor. Maribor: Splošna bolnišnica Maribor,
Publication year		2003
Volume		str. 53-65
Language		slo
Abstract		Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents as a progression of the previously stable situation. The most common causes of exacerbation are infection (bacterial, viral) of the tracheobronchial tree and air pollution, but the cause of about one third of severe exacerbations cannot be identified. The features are an increase in breathlessness with ot without wheeze; an increase in cough and sputum volume; an increase in sputum purulence; and/or fever; an increase in hypoxia; and an increase in airway obstruction measured by spirometry. Inhaled bronchodilators (particularly inhaled beta2 agonists and anticholinergics), theophylline, and systemic, preferably oral glucocorticosteroids are effective treatment for acute exacerbation of COPD. Patients experiencing COPD exacerbation with clinical signs of airway infection (e.g. increased volume and change of color of sputum, and fever) may benefit from antibiotic treatment. Oxygen therapy is the cornerstone of hospital treatment of COPD exacerbation.
Descriptors		LUNG DISEASES, OBSTRUCTIVE AIR POLLUTANTS RESPIRATORY TRACT DISEASES BRONCHODILATOR AGENTS ADRENERGIC BETA-AGONISTS GLUCOCORTICOIDS RESPIRATION, ARTIFICIAL OXYGEN INHALATION THERAPY