[Treatment and prevention of COPD exacerbation]

Airway inflammation, mucosal edema, epithelial hyperpermeability, mucus secretion and airway smooth muscle contraction induced by airway bacterial, virus infection and exposure to air pollution may be associated with COPD exacerbation. Severity of COPD exacerbation is estimated by blood gas analysis, serum CRP values and the chest radiograph. Patients with COPD exacerbations are recommended to be treated with additional inhalations of beta-2 agonists and anti -cholinergic agents, systemic administered glucocorticosteroids, oxygen inhalation, and, in cases with purulent sputum, antibiotics. Glucocorticosteroids, beta-2 agonists and anti-cholinergic agents reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbation. We reported the inhibitory effects of glucocorticosteroids on rhinovirus infection, the major cause of common colds, and the inhibitory effects of L-carbocisteine and erythromycin on COPD exacerbations and rhinovirus infection.