It is known that patients with COPD have an average of 1.3 exacerbations of the disease per year. The severity of COPD exacerbations ranges from a slight transient decrease in respiratory function to fatal conditions. According to official data, in the United States from 1970 to 2002, patient mortality rates from exacerbations of COPD doubled to 43.3 cases per 100,000 population.

The main goals of caring for patients with COPD exacerbations are to improve the patient's condition, as well as to reduce the risk of subsequent exacerbations. The results of randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of several major therapeutic strategies in patients with exacerbations of COPD. Thus, as a first step in the treatment of patients with exacerbations of COPD on an outpatient basis, it is recommended to increase the dose of short-acting inhaled bronchodilators, in particular, the use of a combination of ipratropium and albuterol can reduce the severity of shortness of breath.

In patients with purulent sputum, a positive effect is seen with a short course of oral corticosteroids, and with moderate to severe exacerbation of COPD, antibiotic therapy is recommended, which reduces the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of the treatment. In addition, antibiotics may be prescribed as second-line drugs with insufficient efficacy of bronchodilators and corticosteroids. The choice of the optimal antibacterial drug is determined on the basis of local data on the antibiotic resistance of the main respiratory pathogens and information on the antimicrobials previously used in the patient.

In hospitalized patients with exacerbations of COPD, regular administration of short-acting bronchodilators, continuous controlled oxygen therapy, antibiotic therapy and the use of systemic corticosteroids are recommended. In the event of progressive acidosis or hypoxemia, patients benefit from non-invasive ventilation with positive pressure or invasive mechanical ventilation.

It is assumed that the introduction into practice of training programs for patients with COPD, including general information on this disease, information on available drugs and methods of treatment, preventive measures and tactics in case exacerbation, will improve patient treatment results and reduce the risk of subsequent exacerbations.