presenting features of acute exacerbations
Last reviewed 01/2018
Exacerbations in patients may differ widely. Some patients may have mild episodes which are usually managed at home while some may face life-threatening events necessitating ventilatory support and a prolonged hospital stay (1)
There is no single defining symptom of an exacerbation.
- worsening of previous stable condition
- increased wheeze
- increased dyspnoea
- increased sputum volume
- increased sputum purulence
- chest tightness
- fluid retention
- reduced exercise tolerance
- increased fatigue (1)
Chest pain and fever are uncommon and if present should prompt a search for other aetiologies (1).
The following signs can be considered as signs of a severe exacerbation:
- marked dyspnoea
- tachypnoea
- purse lip breathing
- use of accessory muscles (sternomastoid and abdominal) at rest
- acute confusion
- new onset cyanosis
- new onset peripheral oedema
- marked reduction in activities of daily living (2)
Reference: