Indications for hospitalisation of patients with a COPD exacerbation
| The presence of high-risk co-morbid conditions, including pneumonia, cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, renal or liver failure |
| Inadequate response of symptoms to outpatient management |
| Marked increase in dyspnoea |
| Inability to eat or sleep due to symptoms |
| Worsening hypoxaemia |
| Worsening hypercapnia |
| Changes in mental status |
| Inability of the patient to care for her/himself (lack of home support) |
| Uncertain diagnosis |
| Inadequate home care |