Sonographic Diaphragm Function in AECOPD

The study will be conducted as a single-center, prospective cohort study. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the responsiveness of sonographic parameters of diaphragm to detect change in Borg score for dyspnea during hospitalisation for AECOPD without respiratory acidosis.

Inclusion Criteria:Hospitalisation primarily because of severe acute exacerbation of COPDCOPD, according to GOLD 2018 definitionPost-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0,70 and FEV1% < 80%pred. within last 5 yearsExclusion Criteria:Respiratory acidosis (pH < 7.35 ánd PaCO2 > 6 kPA)Need for (non-)invasive ventilation based on other criteria (e.g. severe hypoxia) upon presentation.Established diagnosis of diaphragm diaphragm paralysis.Inability for diaphragm imaging (e.g. mechanical ventilation, or unable to follow vocal instructions).Those not able or unwilling to give written informed consent.Pregnant women