Systemic Corticosteroids for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, is characterized by respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation often caused by long-term exposure to noxious particles or gases, most commonly tobacco.1, 2 Symptoms include dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, and episodes of acute worsening are termed exacerbations. The most common cause of exacerbations is infection, and treatments may...