Episode 69.0 – Antibiotics in COPD Exacerbations
This week we discuss why we use antibiotics in COPD exacerbations and whether we should continue to do so.
Show Notes
Take Home Points
- Most COPD exacerbations are caused by infectious etiologies. While these can be viral, there’s also a decent chance it was caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that chronically colonize these patients.
- Strong evidence from systematic reviews demonstrates that antibiotic use reduces in-hospital mortality and decreases treatment failure
- The GOLD group recommends antibiotics be given to patients who have increased dyspnea, increased sputum volume and increased sputum purulence or require non-invasive or invasive ventilation for their exacerbation.
- Finally, a short course of antibiotics – either ampicillin, doxycycline or azithromycin is adequate for management.
Read More
GOLD Reports: Diagnosis, Management and Prevention 2016
Berg RMG, Plovsing RR. The hardships of being a Sith Lord: implications of the biopsychosocial model in a space opera. Adv Physiol Educ 2016; 40: 234-6. PMID:
