This document discusses the case of a 38-year-old man presenting with severe breathlessness and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smoking. It provides details on his symptoms, medical history and examination findings. It then summarizes guidelines for diagnosing and managing both acute exacerbations and stable COPD, including pharmacological treatments like bronchodilators, steroids, vaccines and antibiotics as well as non-pharmacological rehabilitation and oxygen therapy.