Management of patients with COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Patients with COPD have an increased risk for severe COVID-19. Symptoms such as high-grade fever, anorexia, and myalgia may distinguish COVID-19 from dyspnea due to a COPD-related exacerbation. Management of COVID-19 in the patient with COPD may still warrant standard-of-care exacerbation treatment with antimicrobial agents and corticosteroids. Modalities to treat acute respiratory failure can be used with some caveats. Patients with COPD and COVID-19 infection who treat their illness at home should self-isolate, use nebulizers with precautions to avoid viral aerosolization, and frequently disinfect room surfaces.

Topics & Concepts