
Navigating the Hidden Burden: The Critical Role of Moderate Exacerbations in COPD
Exacerbations are key events in COPD1 that play a crucial role in disease progression. Although often managed in outpatient settings, exacerbations contribute significantly to the overall burden of COPD.2 These events are characterized by an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms, including increased dyspnea associated with cough and production of purulent sputum, increased wheezing and chest discomfort.1,3 These characteristics reflect an underlying inflammatory response2 that exacerbates the disease process.