Treating and preventing acute exacerbations of COPD

In contrast to stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute exacerbations of COPD pose special management challenges and can significantly increase the risks of morbidity and death as well as the cost of care. This review from Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, available at https://www.ccjm.org/topics/pulmonary/single-article-page/treating-and-preventing-acute-exacerbations-of-copd/8265d5ff355c3a17c96fa34564ea7465.html, provides the latest information on the definition and diagnosis of COPD exacerbations, disease burden and costs, etiology and pathogenesis, and management and prevention strategies.