Male/females aged between 40-80 years

Previous diagnosis of COPD

Acute exacerbation of COPD requiring treatment with antibiotics and/or corticosteroids

Symptoms of increased breathlessness, cough, sputum volume or sputum purulence

Acute exacerbation of COPD hospitalised within 24hrs of study participation.

On a stable therapeutic regimen for COPD for 8 weeks prior to inclusion

Known history of cigarette smoking at least 10 pack yrs

Willing and able to comply with study procedures

Able to provide written informed consent to participate

Erdosteine (Erdotin) Versus Standard Care Plus Placebo on Erdosteine for Treatment of Cough in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)