COPD, Pneumonia and Intensive Care

COPD acute attack is defined as a worsening period with an increased shortness of breath and a decreased daily performance, a change in amount or color of sputum, an exacerbation in cough, high fever and/or mental deterioration in a COPD case with stable course. If one or more of these symptoms continue at least 24 hours, it is called as an acute attack. Complaints such as weakness, tiredness, sleeplessness, depression and confusion can also accompany such attack symptoms. In COPD cases, 1-4 acute attacks are seen in a year. Most of the mild acute attacks can be home-cured without need for a hospitalization. However, moderate to severe attacks should certainly be treated in the Intensive Care Units of hospitals.