Priority 3 from the COPD Exacerbation PSP
| UNCERTAINTY: What is the best way to tell the difference between an exacerbation and a different cause of changing symptoms in a person with COPD? (JLA PSP Priority 3) | |
|---|---|
| Overall ranking | 3 |
| JLA question ID | 0104/3 |
| Explanatory note | Not every change in symptoms in a person with COPD represents an exacerbation - there can be other causes too, for example pneumonia, blood clots on the lung or a problem with the heart. This question addresses how best to tell the difference between an exacerbation and changes in symptoms due to these other causes. |
| Evidence |
The question has not been addressed in the evidence base |
| Health Research Classification System category | Respiratory |
| Extra information provided by this PSP | |
|---|---|
| Original uncertainty examples |
How can a COPD exacerbation be differentiated from other causes of breathlessness?~ how do we tell if someone is exacerbating with infection/ bacteria or if symptoms are driven by anxiety ~ How can patients be assisted in identifying COPD exacerbation when they have multi-morbidity that may give similar symptoms?~ How do we distinguish between anxiety and an exacerbation? |
| Submitted by | Healthcare professional |
| PSP information | |
|---|---|
| PSP unique ID | 0104 |
| PSP name | COPD Exacerbation PSP |
| Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP. | 51 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website) |
| Date of priority setting workshop | 1 April 2021 |