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Although only a minority of COPD patients (about 10-15%) experience severe exacerbations requiring hospitalization, the associated expenses for AECOPD account for >70% of all COPD-related medical care costs. 6The cost of hospitalization for AECOPD is directly related to the duration of hospital stay.8]9 Additionally, researchers have identified that IntroductIonChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition that causes respiratory symptoms including breathlessness, cough, sputum production, and exacerbations.This condition occurs due to abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, which result in persistent and often progressive airflow obstruction.It is caused by gene-environment interactions that occur throughout an individual's lifetime. 1,2COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, with 90% of related deaths occurring in low-to middle-income countries, and hospitalization due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a major event in the disease's natural progression. 3,4The diagnosis of AECOPD is based on the COPD management guidelines, which entail a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and increased sputum. 5This process involves a meticulous examination of the patient's medical history, physical findings, and diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas (ABG), C-reactive protein (CRP), and chest X-rays.Adherence to the severity criteria of AECOPD guides evidence-based interventions, ensuring timely, personalized care.Early recognition and management of AECOPD prevent adverse outcomes, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.These events negatively impact lung function, quality of life, and survival rates, highlighting the need for prompt management.
Bala et al. (Tue,) studied this question.