Differential diagnosis of acute exacerbation of COPD

The following conditions should be considered and excluded when making a diagnosis of an exacerbation in a COPD patient (1,2).

• pneumonia
• pneumothorax
• left ventricular failure/pulmonary oedema
• pulmonary embolus
• lung cancer
• upper airway obstruction
• pleural effusion
• recurrent aspiration

Reference:

1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management. Jul 2019 [internet publication].
2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].