Pitfalls
- Failure to consider a diagnosis of COPD in the presence of relevant symptoms and risk factors, even if the patient has not previously been formally diagnosed
- Not all patients presenting with an exacerbation of COPD require admission to hospital. In addition to a specific clinical history, it is important to take a good social and functional history, as many of these factors will determine the need for admission. It is safe to treat many patients at home with the relevant local resources and support
- While infection is common, many patients do not have bacterial infection and will not have any benefit from receiving antibiotic therapy
- Be aware of other causes of clinical deterioration of the patient with COPD such as pneumothorax and venous thromboembolism, especially if other risk factors are present