An exacerbation, in medicine, is the worsening of a disease or an increase in its symptoms. Examples includes an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure.
What are symptoms of exacerbation?
The most common signs and symptoms of an oncoming exacerbation are:
- More coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath than usual.
- Changes in the color, thickness, or amount of mucus.
- Feeling tired for more than one day.
- Swelling of the legs or ankles.
- More trouble sleeping than usual.
What does the word exacerbation mean in medical terms?
Exacerbation: A worsening. In medicine, exacerbation may refer to an increase in the severity of a disease or its signs and symptoms. For example, an exacerbation of asthma might occur as a serious effect of air pollution, leading to shortness of breath.
