Table 1 Definitions of AECOPD according to the GOLD document, NICE guidelines and ERS/ATS guidelines
From: Management of severe acute exacerbations of COPD: an updated narrative review
GOLD document | Acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that results in additional therapy. |
|---|---|
NICE guidelines | A worsening of the patient’s symptoms from their usual stable state which is beyond normal day-to-day variations, and is acute in onset. Commonly reported symptoms are worsening breathlessness, cough, increased sputum production and change in sputum colour. The change in these symptoms often necessitates a change in medication. |
ERS/ATS guidelines | Episodes of increasing respiratory symptoms, particularly dyspnea, cough and sputum production, and increased sputum purulence |