Exacerbations in patients may differ widely. Some patients may have mild episodes which are usually managed at home while some may face life-threatening events necessitating ventilatory support and a prolonged hospital stay (1)
There is no single defining symptom of an exacerbation.
Chest pain and fever are uncommon and if present should prompt a search for other aetiologies (1).
The following signs can be considered as signs of a severe exacerbation:
Reference:
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