What is an appropriate treatment for a patient experiencing a COPD exacerbation with cough and shortness of breath?

During a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation, patients often experience increased cough and shortness of breath, which can be distressing and lead to a need for effective management strategies. Oral corticosteroids are considered an appropriate treatment for this condition because they help reduce inflammation in the airways, thereby alleviating symptoms, improving lung function, and expediting recovery from exacerbations.

Corticosteroids work by modulating the inflammatory response in the lungs, which is a key aspect of COPD exacerbations. They can rapidly improve respiratory symptoms and are especially beneficial when used in conjunction with bronchodilators. This combination treatment can significantly enhance patient outcomes during an exacerbation.

While antibiotics are sometimes warranted for COPD exacerbations, particularly when there is a suspicion of bacterial infection, corticosteroids are the primary choice for managing inflammation and promoting recovery from acute episodes. Theophylline is less commonly used now due to potential side effects and the availability of more effective therapies.