Self-treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requires more than symptom recognition - a qualitative study of COPD patients' perspectives on self-treatment.

COPD patients regard self-treatment of exacerbations with antibiotics and/or oral corticosteroids as a valuable alternative. How they engage in self-treatment depends on their concerns regarding the medications' adverse effects as well as on their understanding of and preferences for self-treatment as a means of health care. Caregivers should address these perspectives in a collaborative approach when offering COPD patients the opportunity for self-treatment of exacerbations.