Patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD should be followed closely to ensure continued improvement and resolution of the associated signs and symptoms. When possible, persons hospitalized with COPD exacerbation should be seen by a healthcare provider within 30 days of hospital discharge and then again at 3-4 months after their exacerbation. Clinicians should evaluate the patient’s ability to cope in their own environment.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report
[273]Sharma G, Kuo YF, Freeman JL, et al. Outpatient follow-up visit and 30-day emergency department visit and readmission in patients hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Arch Intern Med. 2010 Oct 11;170(18):1664-70.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2977945/?tool=pubmed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20937926?tool=bestpractice.com
COPD symptoms should be documented using COPD assessment test and the modified Medical Research Council and comorbidities status should be reviewed.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report
Clinicians should consider the potential need for adjustment of each patient's medication regimen for COPD, as patients experiencing an acute exacerbation occasionally do not return rapidly to their baseline level of health. Efforts should be made to ensure patients are educated regarding adherence with their medication regimens, and that their inhaler technique is optimum.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report
Clinicians should advise patients to comply with and ensure that they have received appropriate vaccination schedules.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report
CDC: immunization schedules
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Patients should be assessed for the need for long-term oxygen.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report
Spirometry (forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration) should be measured at 3-4 months after the exacerbation.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report
Arterial oxygen saturation and blood gas analysis will indicate the need for long term oxygen therapy more accurately at prolonged follow up, than when measured shortly after discharge.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report
[274]Spece LJ, Epler EM, Duan K, et al. Reassessment of home oxygen prescription after hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A potential target for deimplementation. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2021 Mar;18(3):426-32.
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202004-364OC
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33075243?tool=bestpractice.com
Annual low-dose CT scan is recommended for lung cancer screening in patients with COPD due to smoking, according to recommendations from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guideline and the US Preventive Services Task Force.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report
[275]US Preventive Services Task Force., Krist AH, Davidson KW, et al. Screening for lung cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021 Mar 9;325(10):962-70.
https://www.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.1117
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33687470?tool=bestpractice.com
The presence of bronchiectasis and emphysema should be determined with chest CT in patients with recurrent exacerbations and/or hospitalization.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication].
https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report