RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Treating and preventing acute exacerbations of COPD JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO Cleve Clin J Med FD Cleveland Clinic SP 289 OP 300 DO 10.3949/ccjm.83a.14188 VO 83 IS 4 A1 Umur S. Hatipoglu A1 Loutfi S. Aboussouan YR 2016 UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/83/4/289.abstract AB Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—characterized by shortness of breath, increased sputum production, increased purulence, or a combination of these signs—are costly and can have major impacts on the patient’s health. Corticosteroids, antibiotics, and bronchodilators are the cornerstones of prevention and therapy, with mucolytics, oxygen supplementation, and ventilatory support also advisable for some patients. Treatment should be evidence-based and tailored to the patient’s history and present needs.