Description
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder characterized by progressive, partially reversible airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation, systemic manifestations, and increasing frequency and severity of exacerbations (1,2). COPD includes the diagnoses of chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema, and many individuals have both conditions (2).
Exacerbations of COPD are defined as " episodes of increasing respiratory symptoms, particularly dyspnea,