Objective To study the distribution regularity of TCM syndromes of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases（COPD）at the acute stage of exacerbation.Methods The literatures on COPD at the acute stage of exacerbation in recent 10 years were collected and studied with SPSS13.0 software for statistical description and with SAS 6.12 software for factor and cluster analysis.Results The common syndromes of COPD at the acute stage of exacerbation were phlegm-heat obstructing the lung

retention of phlegm and blood stasis in the lung

and insufficiency of qi of the lung and kidney.Primary symptoms of phlegm-heat obstructing the lung:cough and dyspnea

yellow sticky sputum

red tongue with yellow and greasy coating

rolling rapid pulse.Primary symptoms of retention of phlegm and blood stasis in the lung:cough and dyspnea

cyanosis

dark red tongue with greasy coating

deep hesitant pulse.Primary symptoms of insufficiency of qi of the lung and kidney:cough and dyspnea

listlessness

lassitude in lumbus and legs

aversion to wind

weak pulse.ConclusionThe 3 common syndromes mentioned above can be used for reference when making syndrome differentiation of COPD at the acute stage of exacerbation.