Antibiotics in AECOPD

has baseline COPD and is admitted to the with dyspnea & sputum purulence but NO CHANGE in volume of sputum production.

Should antibiotics be prescribed for an acute exacerbation of COPD?

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Best Answer:

Yes 💊

Explanation: GOLD guidelines recommend antibiotics for AECOPD based on 3 cardinal symptoms:

1. ⬆️ dyspnea
2. ⬆️ sputum production
3. ⬆️ sputum purulence

Antibiotics are appropriate if a patient:
-has 3 cardinal symptoms
-has 2 with 1 being ⬆️ sputum purulence
-requires mechanical ventilation

If these criteria AREN’T met, it’s appropriate to hold antibiotics and focus on supportive care 🫁