Indicators of severity of exacerbation in COPD from BTS guidelines3
| Poor general condition |
|---|
| Living alone |
| Receiving long term oxygen therapy |
| Normally housebound |
| Rapid rate of onset (<1 day) |
| Impaired level of consciousness |
| Acute confusion |
| Severe breathlessness |
| Cyanosis |
| Recent worsening of peripheral oedema |
| New acute changes on radiograph |
| Arterial pH <7.35 |
| Arterial Pao 2 <7 kPa |
Bold items indicate those used for an obligatory admission.