Early Warning Signs and Prodromal Symptoms of AECOPD Patients

Abstract

An acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a major problem leading to the most cause of death in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Most cases of AECOPD occurred at home and outside the hospital. The COPD patients have the pattern of AECOPD according to their individual experiences. When the patients had AECOPD, also the warning signs and prodromal symptoms were happened differently. However, the characteristics of warning signs and prodromal symptoms could be described in three categories: 1) early signs and symptoms, 2) signs and symptoms that make the patients worse, and 3) time of occurrence. If the patients have been ill with COPD for a period of time until they can learn his/her early warning signs and prodromal symptoms of AECOPD by themselves or/and with their caregivers or/and with healthcare professionals, they will be able to quickly recognize their signs and symptoms when they occur and will be able to manage them as soon as according to their competency individually.