AECOPD in Hospital: The Physiotherapy Protocol from Admission to Discharge
Learn a step-by-step in-hospital physiotherapy protocol for AECOPD, including assessment, NIV, positioning, airway clearance, mobilisation safety and discharge criteria.
Condition
Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD)
In-hospital physiotherapy protocol for acute exacerbations of COPD — assessment, NIV, positioning, secretion clearance, and discharge criteria.
ICD-10-CM: J44.1
An acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is a flare-up where breathing suddenly becomes harder, often with more cough, mucus, and breathlessness. These episodes can be frightening and sometimes need hospital care, but timely treatment and physiotherapy help people recover and get back on their feet.
In hospital, physiotherapy supports breathing, secretion clearance, positioning, and early mobility to aid recovery and safe discharge. In this guide we cover the in-hospital physiotherapy protocol for acute exacerbations of COPD — including assessment, non-invasive ventilation, and discharge criteria — practical guidance for clinicians and clear explanations so patients and families understand what happens during a flare-up and how recovery is supported.