The review includes both old and novel definitions of acute exacerbations (AEs) of COPD, epidemiological data on their frequency, their etiology, diagnostic procedures, the effect of AEs on the prognosis (FEVi decline, mortality) and options for their treatment. There are detailed descriptions of results of clinical studies assessing the effectiveness and indications of drugs for patients with AEs; also described is possible non-pharmacological prevention of AEs.
The text included selected recommendations from the GOLD, ATS/ERS, GesEPOC by Spanish authors and NICE; there are detailed descriptions of the latest recommendations from the American College of Chest Physicians and Canadian Thoracic Society.