COPD-EXACERBATION CAUSES

SUMMARY

BACTERIAL
1. H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, M. catarrahalis, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia
2. Pseudomonas, Staph in more advanced disease
3. Lower airway colonisation common
4. More likely with increased volume and purulence of sputum and elevated inflammatory markers

VIRAL
5. Influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, metapneumovirus

NON-INFECTIOUS
6. Pulmonary embolism: 1 in 4 exacerbations (of those without a clear cause)
7. Environmental pollution
8. Small particulate matter and gaseous pollution
9. LVF
10. Pneumothorax
11. Sedation
12. Psychosocial stressors/Anxiety

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].