Acute Exacerbation of COPD: Clinical Perspectives and Literature Review.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) COPD is a significant cause of morbidity and the third leading cause of death worldwide. COPD is a chronic progressive disease which may be interspersed by periods of acute worsening of respiratory symptoms beyond normal day-to-day variations, called exacerbations, which substantially impact health status and has cumulative effects on lung function. Acute exacerbation of COPD negatively affects disease progression, facilitating decline in pulmonary function and resulting in impaired quality of life and increased mortality risk. Therefore, early introduction of preventive measures in patients at risk of COPD remains the cornerstone of management. This article summarizes clinical perspectives and current knowledge on COPD exacerbations, with insights into practices in low- and middle-income countries.

La bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (BPCO) est une cause importante de morbidité et la troisième cause de décès dans le monde. La BPCO est une maladie chronique évolutive qui peut être entrecoupée de périodes d'aggravation aiguë des symptômes respiratoires au-delà des variations quotidiennes normales, appelées exacerbations, qui ont un impact considérable sur l'état de santé et des effets cumulatifs sur la fonction pulmonaire. L'exacerbation aiguë de la BPCO a un effet négatif sur la progression de la maladie, facilitant le déclin de la fonction pulmonaire et entraînant une dégradation de la qualité de vie et un risque accru de mortalité. Par conséquent, l'introduction précoce de mesures préventives chez les patients à risque de BPCO reste la pierre angulaire de la prise en charge. Cet article résume les perspectives cliniques et les connaissances actuelles sur les exacerbations de la BPCO, avec un aperçu des pratiques dans les pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaire. Mots clés: Maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique, exacerbations, progression.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Clinical Perspectives and Ongoing Challenges.

BACKGROUND: Emerging infectious diseases pose a great hazard to public health and the global economy. A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerged from Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, it has spread globally causing a global health emergency of inconceivable magnitude, with significant morbidity and mortality. There is the need for clinicians and health care providers to understand and gain knowledge of the different aspects of the disease as it evolves. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed existing literature on COVID-19 in order to present a synopsis of current understanding of the disease. METHODS: Using PubMed, Embase and Medline, articles published between January and April 2020 on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and resources from World Health Organisation were analyzed in order to have an understanding of the clinical characteristics, transmission dynamics, virology, diagnostic possibilities, prevention, management approach, controversies and impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare workforce. RESULTS: Our review revealed that COVID-19 patients present with a myriad of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe respiratory disease, which can often be fatal. The mode of transmission via droplet infections makes it unduly contagious and difficult to control. Currently, antiviral drugs or vaccines are being developed to manage this condition. CONCLUSION: There is urgent need for potent antivirals and vaccine to manage those infected with COVID 19 and prevent infection. Global efforts need to be unified in combating this public health emergency and flattening the curve of spread.